burdock. End of 1880 37, 3h24, 7 Ivan Ivanovich Shishkin (1832-1898)

The composition presents a close-up study of vegetation, dominated by what appears to be a burdock plant. The artist has chosen to depict it in a manner that emphasizes texture and form over precise botanical accuracy. Here we see large, heart-shaped leaves rendered with visible brushstrokes, their surfaces exhibiting a mottled quality achieved through the layering of greens, grays, and touches of yellow. These leaves are not uniformly colored; instead, they display variations suggesting light reflecting off different parts of the foliage, or perhaps even damage from insects or disease.
The lower portion of the painting is characterized by a dense tangle of stems and roots, painted in earthy tones of brown, ochre, and reddish hues. This area appears darker than the leaves above, creating a sense of depth and suggesting that the plant’s root system extends into the soil below. The artists application of paint here is particularly vigorous, with thick impasto adding to the feeling of tangled growth.
The background is indistinct, rendered in muted greens and browns, which further concentrates attention on the central subject. There is a deliberate lack of clarity; it’s not possible to discern any broader landscape context. This isolation contributes to the paintings focus on the individual plant as an object of observation.
Subtly, the work seems to explore themes of resilience and persistence. The burdock, often considered a weed, is presented with a certain dignity, its robust form suggesting an ability to thrive even in challenging conditions. The rough texture and muted palette evoke a sense of naturalness and perhaps even melancholy, hinting at the cyclical nature of growth and decay. The close-up perspective invites contemplation of the minute details of the natural world, prompting consideration of beauty found within seemingly commonplace elements.