Fountain 1886

Isaac Levitan’s Fountain, created in the late 19th century, is a study in charcoal on paper. The quick, gestural marks suggest that it may have been made en plein air, or outdoors, capturing a fleeting moment in time. Although charcoal on paper is a traditional artistic medium, Levitan’s approach is far from academic. The marks are raw and immediate, focusing on the contrasts of light and shadow and capturing the fountain’s essence. Notice how the weight and texture of the charcoal create a sense of depth and volume, even in this relatively small-scale work. The rough, unfinished quality of the drawing, with its visible strokes and erasures, provides insight into the artist’s process. The energy and spontaneity evident in this drawing challenge traditional notions of artistic perfection, highlighting the importance of materials, making, and context in understanding the full meaning of Levitan’s work.