deadfall 1890 Paper. pencil Ivan Ivanovich Shishkin (1832-1898)

The drawing presents a dense woodland scene rendered in paper and pencil. Here we observe a complex arrangement of trees, undergrowth, and fallen timber, creating a sense of overwhelming natural abundance and untamed wilderness. The artist employed a rapid, gestural style; lines are energetic and often overlapping, conveying the texture and density of the foliage with remarkable immediacy.
The composition is dominated by a large, central tree trunk, its form suggested through a network of closely spaced pencil strokes that delineate both its surface and the surrounding vegetation clinging to it. Several fallen trees lie scattered across the foreground, their forms partially obscured by the dense undergrowth. These decaying elements contribute to an atmosphere of cyclical renewal and decay inherent in natural systems.
The artist’s use of hatching and cross-hatching creates a range of tonal values, suggesting depth and volume within the scene. The light source appears to originate from above and slightly to the left, casting shadows that further enhance the three-dimensionality of the trees and foliage. A small inscription is visible near the base of one tree; its legibility is limited, but it adds an element of human presence or perhaps a record of observation within this natural setting.
The overall impression is not merely descriptive but also evocative. The drawing conveys a feeling of solitude and introspection, inviting contemplation on the power and indifference of nature. The chaotic arrangement of elements suggests a landscape that exists beyond human control, hinting at themes of mortality, resilience, and the enduring presence of the wild. The date 1890 inscribed in the lower right corner places this work within a period marked by increasing interest in naturalism and a desire to capture the essence of untamed environments.