Sheep under a tree. 1862-1864 13, 5h19. 6 Ivan Ivanovich Shishkin (1832-1898)

The drawing presents a pastoral scene centered around a group of sheep gathered beneath the sheltering branches of a large tree. The composition is dominated by the foliage, which forms a dense canopy overhead, obscuring much of the sky and creating a sense of enclosure. Light filters through the leaves, dappling the ground and illuminating portions of the animals.
Here we see several sheep in various poses: some are lying down, seemingly at rest, while others stand or huddle together. Their forms are rendered with quick, economical lines that capture their essential shapes rather than detailed anatomical accuracy. The artist’s focus appears to be on conveying a sense of movement and texture through the use of varied line weight and hatching.
The tree itself is not depicted as a singular, idealized specimen; instead, its presented as a mass of tangled branches and leaves, suggesting age and resilience. A few blades of grass are visible in the foreground, adding depth to the composition. The ground slopes gently upward towards the back, further emphasizing the sheltering nature of the tree.
The drawing’s subdued palette, achieved through varying tones of brown ink on paper, contributes to a feeling of quietude and tranquility. There is an understated quality to the work; it avoids overt sentimentality or dramatic flourishes.
Subtly, the scene evokes themes of protection and refuge. The sheep seek shelter under the tree’s expansive branches, suggesting vulnerability and dependence. This could be interpreted as a metaphor for human need for security and comfort. Furthermore, the depiction of rural life – the simple presence of animals in a natural setting – hints at an appreciation for the unadorned beauty of the countryside and perhaps a yearning for a return to simpler times. The drawing’s intimacy suggests it might have been intended as a study or preliminary sketch, capturing a fleeting moment of observation with a directness that is both charming and evocative.