Berezhok. 1885, 21 5x15, 9 Ivan Ivanovich Shishkin (1832-1898)

The drawing presents a tranquil waterscape dominated by a sense of quiet solitude. Here we observe a body of water, its surface rendered with meticulous attention to detail, reflecting the overcast sky above. The waters edge is lined with dense vegetation, suggesting a secluded and undisturbed location.
Dominating the left side of the composition are several tall pine trees, their slender trunks rising vertically against the backdrop of the cloudy sky. These trees contribute significantly to the verticality of the scene, drawing the eye upwards and emphasizing the scale of the natural environment. Their dark silhouettes contrast with the lighter tones of the water and sky, creating a visual depth.
A small boat rests near the right bank, partially obscured by reeds. Its presence introduces an element of human interaction with the landscape, though it remains still and unoccupied, reinforcing the overall feeling of stillness.
The artist employed a technique that emphasizes tonal variations through hatching and cross-hatching, creating a nuanced range of greys. This approach lends a textural quality to the scene, suggesting the roughness of the bark on the trees, the density of the vegetation, and the subtle ripples on the waters surface. The sky is rendered with swirling patterns of clouds, adding dynamism to an otherwise static composition.
The subdued palette and careful rendering contribute to a mood of introspection and contemplation. It evokes a sense of connection to nature, suggesting a place removed from human activity where one might find solace and quiet reflection. The absence of figures beyond the implied presence of the boat reinforces this feeling of isolation and invites the viewer into a moment of peaceful observation.