The composition of Levitan’s painting “Silence”


The painting “Silence” was written by Isaac Levitan in 1898. It is not widely known, however, it is an acknowledged masterpiece of the late period of the artist’s life. In these years for Levitan was typical appeal to the “twilight” theme, and the picture “Silence” is also devoted to an amazing time when the day has already died, and the night has not yet begun.

The creation of the canvas was preceded by a long work with etudes, and thanks to this on the canvas the artist was able to accurately reproduce the mood of tranquility and silence. Levitan shows the wise silence of nature awaiting the approach of night. The night has not fully come into its own.

Slowly sinking to the ground, she brings peace and tranquility. The river is stationary, reflecting the twilight darkened sky with shaggy clouds and a yellow moon. On the far shore, the village froze motionless, and near it there was a plowed field and a grove.

The artist uses a rather rich color scheme in the painting. The canvas may seem too decorative due to a combination of very juicy colors: a brown village, red shores and a leaden sky and water. The artist uses a free, wide and soft brushstroke, the finest shades and color transitions. Levitan avoids the details – they seem to be hidden by the night mist – and strives for simplicity of the motive. All these artistic techniques help to achieve generalization and express the most important thing that exists in life, in nature.

The painting “Silence” is a deep and complex story about the life of nature. In it – the clarity and wisdom of a great artist who realized the beauty and harmony of the world around him.


1 Star2 Stars3 Stars4 Stars5 Stars (1 votes, average: 5.00 out of 5)

The composition of Levitan’s painting “Silence”