Flooding of rivers like seas 1890 49, 5h71, 5 Ivan Ivanovich Shishkin (1832-1898)

The composition presents a nocturnal landscape dominated by a vast expanse of water, seemingly merging with the horizon. A full moon hangs prominently in the sky, its light reflecting intensely on the waters surface, creating a shimmering path that extends towards the viewer. The scene is rendered entirely in grayscale, which contributes to an atmosphere of somberness and perhaps foreboding.
In the foreground, a rough track or road leads into the distance, bordered by rudimentary fencing. A small structure, possibly a gatehouse or shed, sits alongside this pathway, appearing isolated and vulnerable against the scale of the surrounding environment. The land rises gently towards the waters edge, with scattered trees punctuating the terrain. These trees are rendered with a degree of detail that suggests their resilience despite the pervasive dampness implied by the scene.
The artist’s use of tonal gradation is noteworthy. Dark shadows define the foreground elements and delineate the tree line, while lighter tones illuminate the water and sky, creating a sense of depth and distance. The absence of color intensifies the focus on form and texture, emphasizing the starkness of the landscape.
Subtly, the painting conveys a feeling of vulnerability and isolation. The small human-made structures are dwarfed by the immensity of the flooded terrain, suggesting a precarious relationship between humanity and nature. The moon’s light, while visually striking, also casts long shadows, contributing to an overall sense of unease. It is possible that the work explores themes of natural power, the fragility of civilization, or perhaps even a commentary on human encroachment upon the environment. The title suggests a catastrophic event; here we see its aftermath – a landscape irrevocably altered by waters dominance.