The artwork, titled “Gathering Mushrooms,” was created by the artist Ivan Shishkin in 1870. This piece is an oil painting on canvas and belongs to the Realism art movement, specifically in the landscape genre.
In the artwork, Shishkin masterfully depicts a serene forest scene, capturing a group of individuals engaged in the tranquil activity of gathering mushrooms. The central focus is a group of figures, presumably a family, engaged in their task while surrounded by the lush and expansive forest. The trees are depicted with intricate detail, showcasing Shishkin’s skill in rendering natural elements authentically. The serene ambiance is enhanced by the presence of a gently flowing stream in the foreground, leading the viewer into the densely wooded background. The figures are portrayed in typical 19th-century rural attire, suggesting a communion with nature and a simplicity of life. The careful attention to light and shadow accentuates the texture of the foliage and the tranquility of the setting, embodying the essence of the Realism movement that Shishkin is renowned for.