Port-threshold 1889 31, 3h48, 6 Ivan Ivanovich Shishkin (1832-1898)

The drawing presents a landscape dominated by water and dense woodland. A wide river occupies much of the compositions central space, its surface rendered with agitated, short strokes that suggest movement and turbulence. The water is punctuated by rocky outcrops and small islands, meticulously detailed through cross-hatching and varied line weight.
Along the left bank, a thick forest presses close to the river’s edge. Individual trees are not sharply defined but coalesce into a mass of foliage, creating a sense of impenetrable depth. On the right side, the woodland is more open, allowing for glimpses of distant terrain and sky. A prominent pine tree, rendered with considerable detail in its trunk and branches, rises from the foreground, acting as a visual anchor and establishing a sense of scale.
In the middle distance, on the left bank, a small structure – possibly a building or boathouse – is discernible, though it is somewhat obscured by the surrounding trees. Its presence introduces an element of human intervention into the otherwise wild scene. The horizon line is relatively low, emphasizing the vastness of the sky and contributing to the overall feeling of expansive space.
The artist’s use of graphite allows for a nuanced range of tones, from deep blacks in the shadowed areas to lighter grays that define highlights on the water and foliage. This tonal variation enhances the sense of three-dimensionality and atmospheric perspective. The drawings style suggests an observational approach, prioritizing accurate depiction over overt stylization.
Subtly, the work conveys a feeling of solitude and remoteness. The absence of human figures reinforces this impression, directing attention to the raw power and beauty of nature. The inclusion of the structure hints at a relationship between humanity and the landscape, but it remains subordinate to the overwhelming presence of the natural environment. It is possible that the drawing aims to capture not just a visual representation of a place, but also an emotional response to its grandeur and isolation.