Building by the water. At the edge of village. 1895

Isaac Levitan, a Russian landscape painter, created this monochromatic drawing, called 'Building by the water. At the edge of village.' Levitan, of Jewish heritage, experienced antisemitism in late 19th-century Russia, which influenced his art. His landscapes often evoke a sense of melancholy, reflecting a deep connection to the Russian land, and perhaps the alienation he felt as an outsider. This piece is a study of the natural world and its intersection with human presence, rendered in quick, expressive strokes. The contrast between the detailed foreground and the more abstract background creates a visual tension, inviting us to reflect on the relationship between the seen and unseen, the known and unknown. Levitan sought to capture the "mood" of a landscape, rather than a literal depiction. This emotional resonance is palpable, inviting a personal and reflective viewing experience. His ability to infuse the landscape with such profound emotion solidified his place as a master of Russian landscape painting.