Twilight. Moon. (1899; Russian Federation) by Isaac Levitan

Twilight. Moon. - Isaac Levitan - 1899; Russian Federation

Artwork Information

TitleTwilight. Moon.
ArtistIsaac Levitan
Date1899; Russian Federation
Mediumoil,canvas
Dimensions49.5 x 61.3 cm
Art MovementRealism
Current LocationTretyakov Gallery, Moscow, Russia

About Twilight. Moon.

The artwork “Twilight. Moon.” was crafted by the celebrated artist Isaac Levitan in 1899 and is a testament to the Realism art movement. This piece, rendered in oil on canvas, measures 49.5 by 61.3 centimeters. It embodies the landscape genre and is currently housed in the Tretyakov Gallery in Moscow, Russia.

In the artwork, one can observe a tranquil landscape under the subtle glow of twilight. The moon rises, casting a soft, radiant light that reflects off a still body of water, likely a lake or pond. The reflection forms a gentle, elongated trail across the surface of the water, leading the viewer’s eye back to the moon. The horizon is dominated by a stretch of trees, exhibiting autumnal hues that suggest the season while also complementing the dusky sky above. These trees form a silhouette against the evening glow, adding a sense of depth and quietude to the scene.

The sky itself is skillfully painted, capturing the gradations of light as day gives way to night. The use of light and color in the artwork evokes a mood of contemplation and serenity. It’s a subtle interplay of the natural elements, a characteristic feature of Levitan’s landscapes, where the mood is as significant as the physical depiction of the scenery. The entirety of the composition conveys a profound connection with nature, characteristic of Levitan’s masterful ability to capture the emotional essence of a landscape.

Isaac Levitan’s “Twilight. Moon.” is a prime example of how Realist painters sought to depict scenes truthfully without embellishment, focusing on the honest and sometimes profound beauty found in everyday life and the natural world around them.

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