By the Riverside. 1885

"By the Riverside" (1885) is a landscape painting by Isaac Levitan, a leading figure of Russian Realism. The painting depicts a serene rural scene, likely in the artist's native Russia. A small, wooden boat sits beached on the shore of a calm river, while a village nestled amongst trees can be seen in the distance. Levitan’s signature style is apparent in the delicate brushwork and the melancholy mood conveyed through the soft light and subtle color palette. The painting evokes a sense of peace and tranquility, reflecting a common theme in Levitan’s oeuvre - the beauty and solitude of the natural world.