Stream Gurzuf. 1879 30. 2h45. 3 Ivan Ivanovich Shishkin (1832-1898)

The drawing presents a scene dominated by natural elements: a swiftly flowing stream and the rocky terrain it traverses. The artist has focused on capturing the dynamism of water and the ruggedness of the landscape. A dense thicket of foliage occupies the upper portion of the composition, obscuring any potential view beyond. This vegetation is rendered with intricate detail, suggesting a variety of leaf shapes and textures through careful hatching and cross-hatching techniques.
The stream itself is depicted as a series of irregular reflections on the water’s surface, created by the unevenness of the riverbed. Numerous rocks of varying sizes are scattered throughout the foreground and middle ground, their forms meticulously defined with shading to convey volume and weight. The artists use of line work emphasizes the sharp edges and angularity of these stones, contributing to a sense of solidity and permanence within the transient flow of water.
A rudimentary wooden structure – possibly a fence or support for a pathway – is visible on the left side of the drawing, hinting at human presence but remaining secondary to the overwhelming natural environment. The artist’s signature appears in the lower right corner, executed with a delicate hand that contrasts with the robust depiction of the surrounding landscape.
Subtly, the work conveys an impression of isolation and untamed nature. The dense foliage acts as a visual barrier, creating a sense of enclosure and limiting perspective. The absence of human figures reinforces this feeling of solitude. While the stream suggests movement and vitality, its confinement within the rocky terrain implies a lack of freedom or escape. The drawing might be interpreted as an exploration of the power and indifference of nature, where human constructions are merely incidental elements within a larger, more enduring system.