In the thicket 1870 24. 2h32. 5 Ivan Ivanovich Shishkin (1832-1898)

The drawing presents a dense woodland scene, rendered in a style characterized by rapid, expressive lines and tonal variations achieved through hatching and cross-hatching. Here we see a tangle of vegetation dominating the composition; tall, slender trees rise vertically, their trunks appearing somewhat attenuated and irregular, suggesting growth impeded by the surrounding density. A fallen log lies prominently across the foreground, its surface covered in what appears to be moss or lichen, adding textural complexity.
The artist depicted an abundance of undergrowth – a profusion of ferns and other leafy plants – that obscures much of the ground plane. The foliage is rendered with a nervous energy, lines overlapping and intertwining to create a sense of claustrophobia and impenetrable depth. Light seems to filter through the canopy in scattered patches, creating areas of relative brightness that contrast sharply with the darker recesses within the thicket.
The overall effect is one of wildness and untamed nature. The lack of any discernible human presence reinforces this impression; the scene feels remote and untouched. One might interpret the drawing as a meditation on the power and resilience of natural forms, or perhaps an exploration of the psychological impact of being immersed in such a dense environment. The emphasis on texture and line suggests a focus on the immediate sensory experience – the feel of dampness, the smell of earth, the visual complexity of the foliage.
The drawing’s monochromatic palette contributes to its somber mood, evoking a sense of quiet contemplation rather than exuberant celebration. It is not merely a depiction of a woodland; it seems intended to convey an atmosphere – one of solitude and perhaps even a touch of melancholy.