ravine Kozlovka-hiding-place. With trees. 1873 36, 4h60, 4 Ivan Ivanovich Shishkin (1832-1898)

The drawing presents a landscape dominated by a deep ravine, its contours defined by dense vegetation and sloping terrain. Here we see a layered composition; the foreground is characterized by a steep embankment covered in foliage, while the midground reveals a valley floor obscured by trees. A distant horizon line suggests an expansive view beyond the immediate confines of the ravine.
The artist employed a technique that emphasizes texture and tonal variation through closely spaced lines and hatching. The density of these marks increases with distance, creating a sense of atmospheric perspective and depth. Individual tree trunks are rendered with meticulous detail, their forms twisting upwards towards the upper portion of the frame. A prominent pine stands to the right, its needle-like branches sharply delineated against the lighter background.
The overall impression is one of secluded tranquility, yet also hints at a certain melancholy. The ravine itself suggests a hidden space, perhaps a refuge or a place of concealment – as indicated by the title’s reference to a “hiding-place.” This evokes notions of privacy and protection, but also potentially vulnerability and isolation.
The absence of human figures contributes to this feeling of solitude; the landscape is presented as an autonomous entity, untouched by human presence. The drawings monochromatic palette reinforces the somber mood, focusing attention on the interplay of light and shadow within the natural environment. It’s a study in observation, capturing not just the visual appearance of the ravine but also conveying its inherent atmosphere – one of quiet contemplation and perhaps, a subtle sense of unease.

The inscription in the lower right corner appears to be a signature or annotation, adding a personal touch to the work.