Ceni. 1890 30, 3h20, 4 Ivan Ivanovich Shishkin (1832-1898)

The drawing presents a study of architectural space, specifically focusing on a transitional area between interior and exterior. Here we see a series of receding planes defined by rough-hewn timber and brickwork. The composition is dominated by the verticality of wooden supports and beams, creating a complex network of lines that guide the eye deeper into the scene.
The artist employed a technique emphasizing texture through dense hatching and cross-hatching. This approach lends a tactile quality to the surfaces, highlighting the materiality of both wood and brick. The light source appears to originate from beyond the visible opening at the back of the structure, casting shadows that further accentuate the three-dimensionality of the space.
A set of stairs leads upward towards this opening, suggesting movement and access. A ladder is positioned on the right side, reinforcing the sense of a working or utilitarian environment rather than a purely aesthetic one. The landscape visible through the aperture appears muted and indistinct, contributing to an overall feeling of enclosure and introspection.
The drawing’s subtexts revolve around themes of structure, transition, and perhaps even confinement. The intricate network of beams and supports could be interpreted as symbolic of complex systems or hidden frameworks. The limited view beyond the opening suggests a deliberate restriction of perspective, hinting at a desire to explore the psychological impact of enclosed spaces. The utilitarian nature of the architecture implies a focus on function over form, potentially reflecting an interest in the everyday realities of labor and construction. Ultimately, the drawing invites contemplation about the relationship between human presence and the built environment.