Forest under snow 1890. Bumagatsv. , Charcoal, chalk. 24x45 Ivan Ivanovich Shishkin (1832-1898)

The drawing presents a wintry scene dominated by snow-laden trees within a forest setting. The composition is characterized by a stark monochrome palette achieved through charcoal and chalk, lending it a somber and austere quality. Here we see a landscape almost entirely consumed by the pervasive presence of snow; its undulating surface obscures much of the ground and forms drifts that partially bury the tree trunks.
The trees themselves are rendered with varying degrees of detail. Some appear as dark, vertical strokes suggesting their rough bark and imposing height, while others are reduced to skeletal outlines barely visible through the snowfall. This inconsistency in depiction creates a sense of depth and atmospheric perspective, implying a vastness beyond what is immediately visible. The artist employed a loose, gestural style; lines are not precise but rather convey an impressionistic rendering of form and texture.
The use of chalk contributes to the overall luminosity of the scene, softening the harshness of the charcoal and creating subtle gradations in tone that simulate the play of light on snow. This technique also allows for a sense of ethereal quality, as if the viewer is observing the landscape through a veil of falling snow. The composition lacks a clear focal point; instead, the eye wanders across the expanse of white, encountering fragmented glimpses of the trees and the subtle shifts in the snow’s surface.
Subtly, theres an implication of isolation and stillness. The absence of any human presence or animal life reinforces this feeling of solitude. The scene evokes a sense of quietude, perhaps even melancholy, characteristic of winter landscapes. It is not merely a depiction of a physical place but also seems to explore themes of transience, the power of nature, and the fragility of existence against the backdrop of an indifferent environment. The drawing’s scale (24x45) suggests it was intended for intimate viewing, encouraging close observation of its delicate details and subtle nuances.