Timber felling 1870 24h32 Ivan Ivanovich Shishkin (1832-1898)

The drawing presents a scene of deforestation, rendered in a rapid and expressive style. Here we observe a clearing within a densely wooded area; the immediate foreground is littered with felled trees and branches, suggesting recent activity. The artist employed a linear technique, utilizing closely spaced parallel lines to indicate foliage and texture, particularly on the remaining trees. These lines create a sense of density and visual complexity in contrast to the relative emptiness of the cleared space.
The composition directs attention towards the center of the scene where several tall, slender trees stand amidst the debris. Their stark verticality emphasizes the scale of the operation and highlights the disruption caused by the logging. The artist’s use of hatching and cross-hatching creates a play of light and shadow, adding depth to the depiction.
The overall impression is one of abrupt change and loss. While the remaining trees retain some vitality, their presence underscores the absence of those that have been removed. Theres an underlying melancholy conveyed through the starkness of the lines and the emptiness of the clearing. The drawing seems less a celebration of human industry and more a quiet observation of its impact on the natural environment.
The inscription at the bottom, though illegible in detail, suggests a personal connection to the scene – perhaps a record or commentary by someone involved or witnessing the event. This textual element adds another layer of meaning, hinting at a narrative beyond the purely visual representation. The drawing’s immediacy and lack of overt sentimentality suggest it might be a preliminary study or a spontaneous response to a specific moment in time.