Sketch for the painting in 1898 1898 39, 6h51, 7 Ivan Ivanovich Shishkin (1832-1898)

The drawing presents a densely wooded area, dominated by a cluster of trees that fill nearly the entire frame. The artist employed a rapid, gestural style, utilizing closely spaced lines and hatching to suggest foliage and depth. Individual tree trunks are rendered with varying degrees of detail; some appear as mere indications, while others possess more defined bark textures achieved through cross-hatching.
A small structure, seemingly a shed or outbuilding, is positioned centrally within the composition. Its form is roughly sketched, appearing weathered and integrated into the surrounding woodland. The building’s dilapidated state contributes to an overall sense of abandonment and decay. A low barrier, possibly a fence or retaining wall, runs along the lower portion of the image, further emphasizing the enclosure created by the trees.
The tonal range is limited, primarily consisting of shades of gray achieved through varying line density. This restricted palette enhances the sketch-like quality, suggesting it might be a preparatory study for a larger work. The lack of strong contrasts contributes to an atmosphere of quietude and introspection.
Subtly, theres a feeling of enclosure and isolation conveyed by the dense vegetation. The structure’s placement within this environment suggests a human presence that has been absorbed or overtaken by nature. It evokes a sense of time passing and the inevitable encroachment of the natural world upon man-made structures. The drawing doesn’t offer a narrative, but rather establishes a mood – one of solitude, quiet observation, and perhaps a melancholic reflection on impermanence.