Edge. 1885 24, 1h17, 5 Ivan Ivanovich Shishkin (1832-1898)

The drawing presents a densely wooded area bordering a body of water. The composition is structured around a central vertical element – a tall tree whose trunk dominates the left side of the frame. Its foliage extends upwards, partially obscuring the sky and creating a sense of enclosure. Surrounding this dominant feature are numerous other trees, rendered with meticulous detail to convey their individual textures and forms.
The lower portion of the drawing depicts a shoreline or riverbank, characterized by a variety of vegetation including tall grasses and flowering plants. Several rocks jut out from the water’s edge, adding visual interest and suggesting uneven terrain. The water itself is depicted as relatively still, reflecting the surrounding foliage in a muted manner.
The artist employed a technique that emphasizes tonal variation through hatching and cross-hatching. This creates a palpable sense of depth and volume within the scene. Light appears to originate from behind the viewer, illuminating the foreground vegetation while leaving the deeper recesses of the woods in shadow. The overall effect is one of quiet observation and an appreciation for the intricate details of nature.
Subtly, theres a feeling of transition or boundary being represented – hence the title’s suggestion of “edge.” It isn’t merely a depiction of a landscape; it’s a portrayal of where one environment meets another: forest meeting water, light meeting shadow, openness meeting enclosure. The density of the trees creates an almost impenetrable barrier, hinting at mysteries and unexplored territories beyond what is visible. This sense of limit or threshold invites contemplation about the unseen and the unknown that lies just beyond the viewer’s perspective.