On the mountain around Castel Alushta 1879 31, 7h45, 9 Ivan Ivanovich Shishkin (1832-1898)

The drawing presents a densely wooded hillside landscape. The composition is dominated by the verticality of trees, their trunks and branches rendered with energetic, almost frantic lines that convey a sense of untamed growth. These trees form a thick screen, obscuring much of what lies beyond, creating an atmosphere of enclosure and mystery.
The foreground features a rocky outcrop, its surface meticulously detailed with short, rapid strokes suggesting texture and volume. The rocks appear to be strewn across the slope, contributing to the impression of ruggedness and natural disorder. Light seems to filter unevenly through the foliage, highlighting certain areas while leaving others in shadow, which enhances the depth and complexity of the scene.
The artist’s technique emphasizes a direct observation of nature; there is little indication of idealization or smoothing of forms. The lines are often broken and hesitant, suggesting an attempt to capture the fleeting qualities of light and atmosphere rather than a precise representation of objects. This approach lends the drawing a sense of immediacy and spontaneity.
The presence of what appears to be a signature in the lower right corner indicates a personal connection to the scene, implying that this is not merely a generic landscape but a specific place observed and recorded by the artist. The date suggests a moment captured in time, preserving an impression of a particular location at a certain point in history.
Subtly, the drawing evokes themes of solitude and introspection. The density of the forest creates a sense of isolation, while the focus on natural detail encourages close observation and contemplation. It is possible to interpret this as a reflection on humanitys relationship with nature – a recognition of its power and indifference.