Group of deciduous trees and stones. Sketch 24, 3x32, 7 Ivan Ivanovich Shishkin (1832-1898)

The drawing presents a small cluster of deciduous trees and scattered stones within a natural setting. The composition is dominated by a group of mature trees, their trunks thick and gnarled, suggesting considerable age and resilience. Their foliage is rendered with dense, rapid hatching, creating a textural effect that conveys the complexity and density of leaves. Light appears to filter through this canopy, illuminating patches of ground beneath.
Several stones are integrated into the scene, some partially obscured by vegetation, others lying exposed on the earth. These rocks contribute to the sense of an untamed landscape, hinting at geological processes shaping the environment over time. The artist has employed a variety of line weights and densities to differentiate between areas in shadow and those receiving light, adding depth and volume to the forms.
The drawing’s edges are not sharply defined; instead, they fade into the surrounding paper, suggesting an unfinished quality or perhaps an attempt to capture a fleeting impression of nature. The sketch feels immediate and observational, as if executed rapidly from direct experience.
Subtly, there is a sense of quietude and solitude conveyed by the scene. The absence of human presence reinforces this feeling, emphasizing the power and indifference of the natural world. The focus on the details – the texture of bark, the arrangement of leaves, the shape of stones – suggests an appreciation for the beauty found in seemingly ordinary elements of the landscape. It is a study not just of form but also of atmosphere, hinting at a deeper connection between observer and environment.