Kama. 1895 12, 2h19, 5 Ivan Ivanovich Shishkin (1832-1898)

The drawing presents a landscape study executed in pencil on paper. Here we observe a body of water extending towards the horizon, its surface rendered with quick, agitated lines suggesting movement and reflection. The shoreline is defined by a steep embankment densely populated with vegetation. A thick cluster of trees occupies the right side of the composition, their trunks and branches meticulously sketched to convey texture and volume. Above, the sky is filled with cloud formations, depicted through a series of overlapping strokes that create a sense of atmospheric depth.
The artist’s hand demonstrates a clear interest in capturing the immediacy of observation. The lines are not smooth or refined; instead, they possess an energetic quality, indicative of a rapid and spontaneous rendering. This approach lends the scene a feeling of naturalness and authenticity. The use of hatching and cross-hatching is particularly evident in the depiction of foliage and shadows, contributing to the overall tonal range.
The composition’s framing suggests a viewpoint from slightly above the water level, allowing for an expansive view of the landscape. A signature appears in the lower right corner, executed with a more deliberate hand than the rest of the drawing.
Subtly, there is a sense of melancholy conveyed through the muted palette and the somewhat somber atmosphere. The dense vegetation and looming trees create a feeling of enclosure, while the expanse of water hints at both tranquility and vastness. It’s possible to interpret this as an exploration of the relationship between humanity and nature – a contemplation on the power and indifference of the natural world. The drawing seems less concerned with precise representation than with conveying a mood or emotional response to the scene before the artist.