Moth and bindweed (sketch panel), the beginning of the twentieth century. Corners Wilhelm Kotarbiński (1849-1922)

The drawing presents two vertical panels, executed in a monochrome palette with varying degrees of tonal density. Each panel depicts a climbing plant – likely bindweed – ascending alongside a supporting structure, seemingly a wooden post or trellis. The artist employed a delicate hatching technique, creating subtle gradations of light and shadow that suggest the three-dimensionality of the foliage and stem.
On the left panel, the bindweed appears more densely clustered at its base, with broad leaves overlapping and intertwining. This creates a sense of organic abundance and untamed growth. The plant’s tendrils reach upwards, seemingly seeking support, while several small, indistinct shapes – possibly moths or other insects – are scattered amongst the foliage.
The right panel offers a more streamlined composition. Here, the bindweed climbs a straighter post, with fewer leaves obscuring the underlying structure. Again, faint insect forms are present, though less numerous than in the left panel. The overall impression is one of controlled growth and a slightly more formal arrangement.
Subtly, the drawing explores themes of natures persistence and its interaction with human-made structures. The bindweed’s relentless climb suggests an inherent drive for survival and expansion, even within a constrained environment. The presence of insects hints at a broader ecosystem interwoven with the plants existence. The differing compositions across the two panels could be interpreted as variations on a single theme – one emphasizing wildness, the other suggesting a more cultivated or managed approach to nature. The muted tones and delicate linework contribute to an atmosphere of quiet observation and understated beauty.