Gloomy day. 1895 Isaac Ilyich Levitan (1860-1900)

The canvas presents a landscape dominated by a vast expanse of water under a heavy sky. The composition is divided into three distinct horizontal bands: the turbulent cloudscape, the reflective surface of the water, and a low-lying strip of land in the distance. A thick, dark border frames the scene, intensifying the focus on the depicted environment.
The artist’s attention appears primarily directed towards capturing atmospheric conditions. The clouds are rendered with broad, expressive brushstrokes, conveying a sense of impending weather – perhaps rain or a storm. Their forms are voluminous and layered, creating depth within the sky itself. Light filters through intermittently, suggesting a diffused illumination rather than direct sunlight.
The water’s surface mirrors the sky above, albeit in a distorted fashion due to ripples and movement. The reflections are not precise copies but rather impressionistic interpretations of the cloud formations, contributing to an overall feeling of instability and fluidity. A cluster of reeds or tall grasses is visible along the left edge of the waters margin, adding a touch of verticality that contrasts with the horizontal emphasis of the scene.
The distant landmass appears as a muted band of green, its details largely obscured by atmospheric perspective. This creates a sense of distance and reinforces the feeling of vastness within the landscape. The color palette is restrained – primarily grays, greens, and browns – which further contributes to the somber mood.
Subtly, the painting evokes feelings of melancholy or introspection. The absence of human presence emphasizes the power and indifference of nature. The subdued colors and overcast sky suggest a moment of quiet contemplation, perhaps even hinting at an underlying sense of loneliness or isolation. The reflective quality of the water could be interpreted as symbolizing introspection or the mirroring of inner states onto the external world.