Etudes trees. 1880, 24, 3x32, 2 Ivan Ivanovich Shishkin (1832-1898)

The drawing presents a series of studies focused on trees and woodland scenes. Four distinct compositions occupy the rectangular sheet, arranged in a roughly symmetrical layout with two larger depictions flanking a pair of smaller ones. The overall effect is one of methodical observation and exploration of arboreal forms.
In the upper left corner, we see a dense cluster of tall trees dominating the view. Their trunks are rendered with careful attention to texture and detail, suggesting rough bark and uneven surfaces. Light appears to filter through the canopy, creating areas of shadow and highlighting individual branches. The ground slopes gently away from the viewer, hinting at depth within the forest. A path or clearing is suggested by a lighter area in the foreground, inviting the eye further into the scene.
The upper right composition presents a single tree viewed from a slightly lower angle. Here, the artist emphasizes the foliage, meticulously detailing each branch and leaf cluster. The trunk is less prominent, serving primarily as an anchor for the expansive crown above. A sense of openness pervades this study, contrasting with the density of the left-hand scene.
The two smaller studies located in the lower portion of the sheet offer more intimate perspectives. In the lower left, a single tree’s base and roots are depicted, emphasizing its connection to the earth. The artist uses dense hatching to convey the complexity of the root system and the surrounding undergrowth.
The final study, situated in the lower right corner, shows a fragment of woodland with fallen logs and scattered vegetation. This composition feels more fragmented and less unified than the others, suggesting a focus on individual elements rather than an overall landscape view.
Throughout the drawing, the artist employs a consistent technique – primarily linear hatching and cross-hatching – to create tonal variations and define form. The lack of color directs attention to the interplay of light and shadow, as well as the intricate details of the trees themselves.
The arrangement of these studies suggests an exploratory process; they appear to be preliminary sketches or exercises intended to capture different aspects of tree structure and woodland atmosphere. There is a sense of quiet contemplation and careful observation evident in each composition, hinting at a deep engagement with the natural world. The repeated motif of trees, rendered from various perspectives and with varying degrees of detail, suggests an interest in understanding their individual characteristics and their collective presence within a larger ecosystem.