Portrait of Countess MA Pototskaya, her sisters – the Countess SA Shuvalova with a mandolin in his hands and efiopyanki 1834-36 H., m. 154. 7h203 KMRI Orest Adamovich Kiprensky (1782-1836)

This painting depicts a trio of women in what appears to be an opulent interior with a view of a bay and distant mountains. On the left, Countess M.A. Pototskaya, dressed in a rich, deep red gown, is seated, holding a bouquet of roses to her chest. Her posture is elegant and composed, with a direct gaze towards the viewer.
In the center stands an Ethiopian woman, identified as an efiopyanka. She wears a white turban and a vibrant red robe, adorned with elaborate gold necklaces and bracelets. Her expression is neutral, and her arms are crossed, suggesting a supportive or subservient role.
To the right is Countess S.A. Shuvalova, also in an extravagant, orange-gold gown with voluminous sleeves. She is captured in a more dynamic pose, holding a mandolin and looking slightly to the side with a gentle smile. Her attire seems to emphasize her sensuality and artistic inclination.
The background shows an open window or veranda, revealing a serene landscape with ships on the water and mountainous terrain, possibly hinting at a Mediterranean or exotic locale. The richness of the fabrics, jewelry, and the exotic presence of the Ethiopian woman suggest themes of wealth, leisure, and a fascination with the Orient, which was a prominent trend in European art during the 19th century. The contrast between the European countesses and the Ethiopian woman might also reflect contemporary colonial attitudes and the romanticized perception of distant cultures. The overall mood is one of aristocratic refinement and exotic allure.