lull. 1885 26. 5h18, 2 Ivan Ivanovich Shishkin (1832-1898)

The drawing presents a secluded woodland scene centered around a still body of water. Dense foliage dominates the composition, with trees forming a thick screen along both sides and across the upper portion of the view. The artist employed varying degrees of hatching and cross-hatching to render the texture of the leaves and branches, creating an impression of depth and complexity within the woodland environment.
The water’s surface is rendered with short, parallel lines that suggest a subtle shimmer or reflection of light. A few reeds or aquatic plants are visible along the immediate edge of the water, adding detail to the foreground. The overall tone is muted, achieved through the monochromatic palette and the careful manipulation of tonal values.
A flock of birds takes flight from within the trees, positioned towards the upper right quadrant. Their depiction, though small in scale, introduces a sense of movement and dynamism into an otherwise tranquil scene.
The composition evokes a feeling of quiet solitude and introspection. The dense vegetation creates a barrier between the viewer and any potential external world, fostering a sense of enclosure and intimacy. The stillness of the water suggests peace and contemplation. The birds’ flight might symbolize a fleeting moment of liberation or a subtle disruption of the prevailing calm.
The artists meticulous attention to detail in rendering the natural elements – the intricate patterns of leaves, the texture of bark, the ripples on the water – indicates an appreciation for the subtleties of nature and a desire to capture its essence with precision. The work seems to suggest a reverence for the natural world and invites quiet observation and reflection upon it.