Forest on a steep bank. 1877 16, 1h12 Ivan Ivanovich Shishkin (1832-1898)

The drawing presents a densely wooded area situated on a steep embankment overlooking a body of water. The composition is dominated by the foliage, which occupies nearly the entire upper portion of the frame. Individual trees are rendered with meticulous detail, their branches and leaves creating an intricate network that obscures much of the background. A sense of depth is achieved through varying degrees of shading; closer vegetation appears darker and more detailed, while distant elements fade into a lighter, less defined haze.
The embankment itself is depicted as a rugged slope, its texture suggested by cross-hatching and stippling techniques. The artist has carefully delineated the contours of the land, emphasizing its incline and creating a visual barrier between the viewer and the water below. A small section of shoreline is visible at the bottom of the frame, reflecting the light from an unseen source.
The body of water appears calm and still, mirroring the sky above. Its surface is rendered with horizontal lines that suggest both tranquility and a subtle sense of movement. The absence of any human presence or signs of civilization contributes to the overall feeling of solitude and natural isolation.
Subtly, the drawing conveys an impression of enclosure and mystery. The dense foliage acts as a visual curtain, hinting at what might lie beyond but ultimately concealing it from view. This creates a sense of anticipation and invites contemplation about the unseen aspects of the landscape. The monochromatic palette reinforces this mood, lending a somber and introspective quality to the scene. It is possible to interpret the work as an exploration of nature’s power and indifference, or perhaps as a meditation on the passage of time and the enduring presence of the natural world.