On the beach. Sestroreck 1885 29, 1h21, 2 Ivan Ivanovich Shishkin (1832-1898)

The drawing presents a coastal scene, rendered in graphite with evident attention to tonal variation and textural detail. Here we see a cluster of trees dominating the composition; their trunks rise from a low-lying, rocky terrain that slopes gently towards the viewer. The foliage is densely sketched, creating a sense of depth and obscuring what lies beyond.
The artist employed a technique of layered hatching and cross-hatching to suggest volume and shadow. This is particularly noticeable in the depiction of the tree trunks and the rocks scattered across the foreground. The light source appears to originate from above and slightly to the left, casting shadows that contribute to the three-dimensionality of the scene.
The lower portion of the drawing reveals a stretch of beach or shoreline, indicated by sparse vegetation and what appear to be small pebbles or stones. A few indistinct figures are present in the distance, their forms barely discernible amidst the foliage and atmospheric haze. These figures suggest human presence without explicitly defining their actions or roles within the scene.
The overall impression is one of quiet observation and a contemplative mood. The absence of vibrant color directs attention to the interplay of light and shadow, emphasizing the textures of the natural environment. Theres an underlying sense of solitude and perhaps even melancholy evoked by the muted tones and the somewhat somber atmosphere. The drawing seems less concerned with portraying a specific event than with capturing a feeling – a moment of stillness and introspection within a coastal landscape.