Early spring. Last Snow Isaac Ilyich Levitan (1860-1900)

The canvas presents a landscape dominated by a sloping hillside densely populated with trees. The composition is vertically oriented, emphasizing the upward trajectory of the terrain and the towering presence of the forest. A muted palette prevails; predominantly cool tones of grey, blue, and violet define the overall atmosphere. Patches of warmer greens and browns emerge from the foreground, suggesting nascent vegetation pushing through the receding snow cover.
The artist employed a loose, impressionistic brushstroke throughout. Details are indistinct, with forms suggested rather than precisely rendered. This technique contributes to a sense of atmospheric perspective; the distant trees appear softer and less defined, creating depth within the scene. The texture of the paint itself is visible, adding physicality to the image and reinforcing the immediacy of observation.
Here we see a palpable tension between dormancy and renewal. The lingering snow, indicated by its presence in shadowed areas and the subdued color scheme, speaks to the recent end of winter. Simultaneously, the vibrant green foliage emerging from the ground signals the arrival of spring. This juxtaposition creates a feeling of transition – a moment suspended between two seasons.
The limited range of colors contributes to a melancholic mood, yet the presence of the new growth offers a subtle promise of vitality and rebirth. The absence of human figures or structures further reinforces the focus on the natural world and its cyclical processes. It is not merely a depiction of a landscape but an exploration of the quiet drama unfolding within it – the delicate balance between decline and resurgence.

The composition’s verticality, combined with the dense foliage, evokes a sense of enclosure and introspection. The viewer is positioned as an observer, distanced from the scene yet drawn into its contemplative mood.