Mountain river. 1886 35, 3h26. 6 Ivan Ivanovich Shishkin (1832-1898)

The drawing presents a landscape dominated by a forceful natural presence. A substantial conifer, centrally positioned and rendered with meticulous detail in its bark texture and needle arrangement, anchors the composition on the left side. Its imposing stature dwarfs the surrounding elements, suggesting resilience and longevity within this environment. The tree’s roots are partially exposed, clinging to a rocky outcrop that forms a visual base for the scene.
A river flows diagonally across the middle ground, its surface agitated by visible rapids and rocks jutting from the water. The artist employed varied tonal gradations to convey the movement of the water, creating an impression of dynamism and untamed energy. The river’s course leads towards a distant mountain range, which is depicted with softer lines and muted tones, suggesting atmospheric perspective and distance.
Dense foliage populates the left side of the drawing, forming a dark, almost impenetrable forest that contrasts with the more open space around the river. This creates a sense of depth and enclosure, hinting at an unexplored wilderness beyond what is immediately visible. The background mountains are shrouded in mist or haze, further diminishing their clarity and contributing to the overall feeling of remoteness.
The monochromatic palette, achieved through varying shades of brown and grey, reinforces the somber mood and emphasizes the raw, unadorned quality of the natural world. There’s a deliberate lack of human presence; the scene is entirely devoid of any signs of civilization, reinforcing the theme of untouched wilderness. The drawing conveys an impression of solitude and grandeur, inviting contemplation on the power and scale of nature. It suggests a reverence for the landscape and its inherent wildness, possibly hinting at themes of isolation or spiritual connection with the natural world.