old fallen trees. Forest Cemetery 1893 104h176. 5 Ivan Ivanovich Shishkin (1832-1898)

Description of Ivan Shishkin’s painting The Forest Cemetery

The painting was created in 1893 in oil on canvas.

The style of painting is realism, genre landscape.

Shishkin is one of the greatest Russian artists. His works are known all over the world. Shishkin wrote dozens of canvases depicting the rich Russian nature. All of them are filled with the author’s love.

The painting "Forest Cemetery" depicts old deadwood. Tall old century-old pines stand on the remains of their ancestors. They have been defeated and surrendered to the effects of time and the elements of nature. They once survived many events, proudly standing one century after another. Now they are buried here, giving the general appearance of longing, making you think about the frailty of everything in this world. How masterly Shishkin wielded his brush. Mosses and greenery has a striking combination of yellow and green hues. The backdrop is filled with sunshine, where the fallen trees also lie. Somewhere in the distance the sky can be seen.

What caused their mass deaths? Perhaps a violent storm, or the inexorable action of the passage of time. But the tragedy of the landscape is that the dense layer of moss, decrepit trunks and stumps do not allow new life to develop. On the trunks of pine trees can be seen corroded bark, and a white patina, which heralds the imminent death of the still seemingly strong trees. The lack of needles and thin, dry branches only confirm speculation about the impending death.

The painting both delights and makes you sad at the same time. The play of color and techniques used to depict the detailed texture of moss are amazing. Shishkin used a method of sharpened paint application, which gives the canvas unsurpassed brilliance and structure.

Thanks to the artist’s paintings, we can be proud of the luxury and power of Russia. Many poems were written based on Shishkin’s works.

The canvas is in storage at the National Art Museum of Belarus. Minsk.