old house on the pond 1860 33h26, 5 Ivan Ivanovich Shishkin (1832-1898)

The drawing presents a weathered stone structure situated beside a body of water. The building dominates the composition; its substantial size and rough-hewn construction immediately draw attention. Its facade is marked by irregularities – missing stones, darkened patches suggesting dampness or decay, and an overall sense of age and neglect. A single window, high on the wall, offers a glimpse into the interior, though it provides little detail. Below this, a substantial doorway is framed by brickwork, with a wooden door partially obscuring the space beyond.
A rickety wooden ladder leans against the building’s side, suggesting recent or ongoing maintenance, yet its dilapidated state mirrors that of the structure itself. The ground surrounding the building is uneven and strewn with rocks, reflecting in the still water at the base of the composition. A few trees are visible to the left, their foliage rendered with a loose, impressionistic touch, providing a contrast to the solidity of the stone edifice.
The tonal range is limited, primarily consisting of muted browns and grays, contributing to an atmosphere of quiet melancholy and introspection. The water’s surface acts as a mirror, doubling the buildings form and subtly distorting it, creating a sense of instability or illusion.
Subtly, the drawing evokes themes of time, decay, and resilience. The structure, despite its evident deterioration, remains standing, suggesting an enduring presence even in the face of natural forces and the passage of years. The ladder implies human intervention, a desire to preserve or understand this place, but also underscores the ongoing battle against entropy. The reflection in the water introduces a layer of ambiguity; is it a faithful representation or a distorted echo of reality? This invites contemplation on perception, memory, and the subjective nature of experience. Ultimately, the work conveys a sense of quiet dignity and a poignant beauty found within the remnants of the past.