On felling. 1873 15. 4x10, 7 Ivan Ivanovich Shishkin (1832-1898)

The drawing presents a scene of woodland disruption, dominated by the immediate aftermath of tree felling. Here we see a felled trunk lying prominently in the foreground, its circular cut marking a stark intrusion into the natural order. The artist has rendered it with meticulous detail, emphasizing the texture of the wood and the precision of the saw’s work.
The composition is structured around verticality; the remaining trees rise densely, their branches intertwining to create a complex network that obscures much of the sky. This density contributes to a sense of enclosure and confinement. The artist uses cross-hatching extensively throughout the drawing, creating tonal variations that suggest depth and texture within the foliage. Light appears diffused, filtering through the canopy in patches, highlighting certain areas while leaving others in shadow.
Beyond the immediate visual impact, the work carries subtexts concerning human intervention in nature. The felled tree is not merely a depiction of an event; it signifies a loss – the absence of life and the alteration of the landscape. The surrounding trees seem to witness this act, their forms conveying a sense of silent observation or even lament.
The artist’s choice of medium – seemingly etching or engraving – reinforces the somber mood. The stark contrast between light and dark, achieved through precise lines, lends an almost photographic quality to the scene while simultaneously maintaining a distance from it. This detachment allows for contemplation on the consequences of human actions within the natural world.
The inclusion of what appears to be a figure in the middle ground, though small and indistinct, suggests the presence of those responsible for the felling, further emphasizing the human element involved in this disruption. The overall effect is one of quiet devastation, prompting reflection on the relationship between humanity and the environment.