Park Cottage Count Mordvinova 1891 83h109 Ivan Ivanovich Shishkin (1832-1898)

Description of Ivan Shishkin’s painting The Oaks in Old Peterhof

Ivan Ivanovich Shishkin always admired the vastness of the Russian land. He painted landscapes and conveyed through them his attitude to nature and its infinite beauties. This particular artist ranks first among the strongest and most talented landscape painters of Russia.

The author has an impeccable understanding of plant forms and conveys their natural details. Every shadow and every leaf is in its place. All as nature herself created.

Oaks Shishkin I.I. painted in 1891. He admired these perennial giants, which grew majestically in the old Peterhof. These trees, undoubtedly, have seen a lot in his lifetime, their powerful crown rises upward.

The author paid particular attention to drawing details. Leaves and bark were traced to the smallest detail.

Under the oaks there is green and yellow vegetation. The landscape is sunny, but the trees throw huge shadows on the ground. So it’s hard to tell if it’s midday or early morning. To capture nature’s vegetation naturally you need to understand it and admire it. This love was present in the heart and soul of the artist, which skillfully lays down in artistic creations.

The branches majestically occupy the center of the picture. Ivan Ivanovich took regular walks through these places and always took his canvas and paints with him. He would spend hours in front of the landscape he liked, to choose the most appropriate time of day. Everything is natural in his paintings.

Some critics even say that this verisimilitude makes it difficult to perceive the overall character of the canvas. But is it possible not to understand the love, the reverent feelings for the trees and all of nature. His paintings are, gratitude for the surrounding landscapes that never get boring. He was able to see the beauty in the surroundings, not everyone can admire the foliage and perfect texture of the trunk.