Winter moonlit night. 1876-1892 30, 5h23. 5 Ivan Ivanovich Shishkin (1832-1898)

The drawing presents a nocturnal woodland scene, rendered in meticulous detail through etching techniques. A pervasive sense of stillness and quietude dominates the composition. Here we see a dense forest, its trees rising vertically into a dark sky punctuated by faint suggestions of stars. The artist has employed cross-hatching to create tonal variations, emphasizing the interplay of light and shadow across the landscape.
The foreground is characterized by snow-covered vegetation and uneven ground, suggesting a rugged terrain. A small stream or path winds its way through the scene, disappearing into the depths of the forest. The trees closest to the viewer are heavily laden with snow, their branches intricately detailed, while those further away recede into the darkness, creating an illusion of depth.
A subtle luminosity emanates from behind the trees in the center ground, hinting at a moonlit sky filtering through the foliage. This light source is not directly visible but its effect is palpable, illuminating patches of snow and casting long shadows that contribute to the overall atmosphere of mystery and solitude. The absence of human presence reinforces this feeling; the scene appears untouched by civilization, presenting nature in its raw and untamed state.
Subtly embedded within the composition are suggestions of a melancholic mood. The monochromatic palette, combined with the starkness of the winter landscape, evokes feelings of isolation and introspection. The darkness that envelops much of the scene can be interpreted as symbolic of the unknown or perhaps even a sense of foreboding. Ultimately, the drawing invites contemplation on the power and beauty of nature, particularly in its most austere and silent moments.