Portrait of Madame Barthelemy with a green fan Boris Grigoriev (1886-1939)

The portrait presents a woman seated on what appears to be a plush armchair or sofa. She is positioned slightly off-center, her gaze directed towards the viewer with a directness that establishes a sense of engagement. The artist has rendered her in a style characterized by loose brushwork and a muted palette dominated by shades of grey, green, and cream.
The woman’s attire consists of a blouse with a softly draped collar, revealing a delicate pearl necklace. Her hands are prominently displayed; one rests on the armrest while the other holds an open green fan, its pleats rendered with careful attention to light and shadow. The fan itself serves as a focal point, drawing the eye and adding a touch of elegance and formality to the composition.
The background is indistinct, composed of swirling brushstrokes that suggest fabric or drapery. This lack of detail directs focus onto the subject’s face and hands, emphasizing her presence within the frame. The lighting is soft and diffused, minimizing harsh contrasts and contributing to an overall atmosphere of quiet contemplation.
Subtleties in the womans expression hint at a complex inner life. While her gaze is direct, theres a certain reserve in her features – a suggestion of both confidence and perhaps a touch of melancholy. The fan, traditionally associated with flirtation or social signaling, here seems less playful and more like an accessory signifying status and refinement.
The artist’s technique, with its emphasis on texture and tonal variation rather than precise detail, lends the portrait a sense of immediacy and psychological depth. It is not merely a representation of physical appearance but also an attempt to capture something of the sitters character – a woman of poise and intelligence, perhaps carrying a quiet weight of experience. The signature in the lower right corner indicates authorship, grounding the work within a specific artistic context.