Gurzuf 1879 Paper. white, pencil 29h45. 5 Ivan Ivanovich Shishkin (1832-1898)

The drawing presents a coastal landscape rendered in pencil on paper. A prominent rocky outcrop dominates the left side of the composition, its form defined by layered lines that suggest both solidity and erosion. The artist employed varying degrees of pressure to create tonal contrasts, highlighting the rock’s texture and volume. These rocks are juxtaposed against a large, sloping hill or mountain rising in the background, which occupies much of the central space. This landform appears less detailed than the foreground rocks, suggesting distance through reduced clarity.
A body of water is visible at the right edge of the drawing, its surface indicated by horizontal lines that convey a sense of calm and expanse. The shoreline itself is irregular, marked by smaller rock formations scattered along the coast. Sparse vegetation – likely scrub or low-lying bushes – is sketched in the lower left corner, adding a touch of life to the otherwise stark scene.
The overall effect is one of quiet observation and an appreciation for natural forms. The limited palette, restricted to shades of gray and brown from the pencil and paper, contributes to a subdued mood. Theres a sense of immediacy; the drawing feels like a quick study or preliminary sketch, capturing a fleeting impression of the landscape.
Subtly, the work conveys an awareness of geological processes – the weathering of rock, the shaping of land by water. The absence of human presence reinforces the feeling of isolation and emphasizes the power of nature. It is possible to interpret this as a meditation on time and change, where the enduring quality of the landscape contrasts with the transient nature of human experience.