Balaam. Forest at Stones 1859 42. 4h57. 2 Ivan Ivanovich Shishkin (1832-1898)

The drawing presents a densely wooded landscape dominated by towering trees and substantial rock formations. The artist has rendered the scene in meticulous detail using graphite on paper, creating a complex interplay of light and shadow that defines form and texture. A palpable sense of depth is achieved through overlapping planes and diminishing scale; the foreground features large boulders and tangled vegetation, while the background recedes into a hazy distance where tree trunks merge with the sky.
Here we see a winding path or stream cutting through the lower portion of the composition, partially obscured by undergrowth. The foliage appears lush and abundant, meticulously rendered with individual leaves and branches contributing to an overall impression of wildness and untamed nature. A figure is positioned on the right side of the drawing, seated upon a rock; their posture suggests contemplation or observation of the surrounding environment. Another, smaller figure is visible further into the scene, partially concealed by foliage, adding a subtle element of narrative ambiguity.
The artist’s use of cross-hatching and stippling creates a remarkable range of tonal values, enhancing the three-dimensionality of the rocks and trees. The deliberate placement of these marks also contributes to a sense of visual texture, making the surfaces appear rough and tangible.
Subtly embedded within this naturalistic depiction are indications of an underlying structure – faint gridlines are visible across the surface, suggesting a methodical approach to composition and perspective. These lines, while not integral to the final image, hint at the artist’s process and the intellectual rigor applied to capturing the scene. The presence of these figures introduces a human element into this otherwise wild setting, prompting questions about their relationship to the landscape and any potential narrative they might embody. The overall effect is one of quiet grandeur, evoking a sense of solitude and reverence for the power of nature.