Etude trunks 1880, 29h22, 2 Ivan Ivanovich Shishkin (1832-1898)

The drawing presents a study focused on the textures and forms of tree trunks alongside preliminary sketches of human profiles. The composition is divided into distinct sections, with two substantial depictions of tree bark dominating the left side of the page and smaller, more gestural figure studies occupying the right.
Here we see the artist’s meticulous attention to detail in rendering the rough surfaces of the trees. A dense network of lines, varying in thickness and pressure, builds up a complex visual vocabulary that conveys the unevenness, crevices, and irregularities inherent in aged bark. The use of hatching and cross-hatching creates tonal variations, suggesting depth and volume within the trunks. There is an almost tactile quality to these depictions; one can imagine running a hand across the surface represented. A small inscription appears on one trunk, adding another layer of detail and perhaps indicating a specific location or observation.
The figure studies are markedly different in their execution. They appear more spontaneous and exploratory, characterized by quick, fluid lines that capture essential features rather than precise anatomical accuracy. The profiles are presented in varying degrees of completion – some are merely suggested with a few strokes, while others show slightly more detail in the rendering of facial features. These sketches seem to be preliminary investigations for potential portraits or studies of human expression.
The juxtaposition of these two elements – the detailed botanical study and the fleeting figure sketches – is significant. It suggests an interest in observing and recording both the natural world and the human form, perhaps as part of a larger artistic project. The contrast between the solidity and permanence implied by the tree trunks and the ephemeral quality of the figure studies could be interpreted as a meditation on time, decay, and the transient nature of human existence against the backdrop of enduring nature.
The drawing’s monochromatic palette reinforces its focus on form and texture, eliminating color as a potential distraction. The overall effect is one of quiet observation and careful study, revealing an artist deeply engaged in the process of visual analysis and representation.