Beach brook 1885 paper, graphite. pencil 48h31. 5 Ivan Ivanovich Shishkin (1832-1898)

The drawing presents a tranquil waterscape rendered in graphite on paper. Here we observe a brook flowing through a densely vegetated landscape. The composition is dominated by verticality; slender trees rise from the bank, their trunks and branches meticulously detailed with varying degrees of pressure, creating a sense of texture and depth. These trees form a significant portion of the upper register, framing the scene and contributing to an impression of enclosure.
The brook itself occupies the lower third of the composition. Its surface is depicted through short, agitated strokes that suggest movement and reflection. Rocks jut out from the water’s edge, their forms defined by careful shading which emphasizes their solidity and presence within the environment. The bank rises steeply on the right side of the drawing, covered in a tangle of foliage – bushes, grasses, and smaller plants – all rendered with an intricate attention to detail. This dense vegetation obscures any view beyond it, reinforcing the feeling of seclusion and intimacy.
The artist’s use of graphite is particularly noteworthy. The tonal range extends from deep blacks to delicate whites, achieved through varying pressure and layering techniques. This nuanced approach creates a palpable sense of atmosphere and volume. Light appears to emanate from an unseen source on the left side of the scene, illuminating the trees and casting shadows across the bank and water.
Subtly, the drawing conveys a mood of quiet contemplation. The absence of human presence contributes to this feeling; it is a landscape observed rather than inhabited. The meticulous rendering suggests a reverence for nature and an appreciation for its intricate details. Theres a sense of stillness and timelessness, as if the scene has existed unchanged for generations. The composition’s focus on natural forms and textures hints at a desire to capture not just the visual appearance of the brook but also its inherent essence – its tranquility, its vitality, and its enduring beauty.