Artwork

Herd under the Trees

Herd under the Trees, by Ivan Shishkin, oil, 1864
Herd under the Trees, by Ivan Shishkin, oil, 1864

Herd under the Trees is an oil painting by the Realist artist Ivan Shishkin. It dates from 1864 and is held in the collection of the Tretyakov Gallery.

About this work

Overview

Herd under the Trees is a 1864 oil painting by Ivan Shishkin, a prominent figure in Russian Realism. The work showcases Shishkin's skill in capturing detailed forest landscapes.

Subject & Meaning

The painting depicts a serene pastoral scene, with cattle grazing under a dense tree canopy. A group of cows and sheep are shown standing or lying in a grassy area, surrounded by trees, bushes, and a distant body of water.

Technique & Style

Shishkin's use of oil paint achieves a high level of realism, with detailed texture and shading. The color palette is characterized by muted shades of green, brown, and gray, creating a lifelike atmosphere.

History & Provenance

Shishkin was a founding member of the Peredvizhniki movement, which emerged during the reign of Tsar Alexander II. This affiliation reflects his commitment to Realist ideals and his role in shaping the Russian art scene of his time.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Ivan Shishkin

Artist

Ivan Shishkin

Ivan Ivanovich Shishkin (Russian: Иван Иванович Шишкин; 25 January 1832 – 20 March 1898) was a Russian Realist painter and draughtsman, best known for his landscape subjects.

This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: Tretyakov Gallery open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.