Portrait of the actress M.N. Ermolova Valentin Serov (1865-1911)

Description of Valentin Serov’s painting "Portrait of Ermolova".

The painting was painted in 1905.

Serov created this magnificent portrait of Yermolova, commemorating this artist. This painting is a classic example of how an artist can understand the inner content of a person. It is on these vivid examples that portrait painting should be studied.

In front of the viewer appears a brilliant artist. She is depicted as realistically as possible. Viewers. Looking at this picture, clearly understand why the talent of this person had such a strong impact on all his contemporaries. We see a woman who contains the most meaningful spiritual content.

This is a whole person who is true to her beliefs. Her heart is very fervent and her willpower is truly enormous. It is because of this rich inner content that something more lurked behind the texts spoken by the artist.

It is enough to look at the image of the artist to understand why her poems awakened a real protest in the audience. They could hear the call for an immediate struggle. All of this can be felt, thanks to Serov’s skill.

The artist was able to create a magnificent image that awakens thoughts of art and creativity in the viewers. We can look at this picture both up close and from a distance. Silhouette of the heroine is incredibly expressive. Serov’s idea is original and peculiar. We get the full impression that we contemplate monumental sculpture.

Our eyes are fixed on the face of Yermolova. We involuntarily want to linger on her eyes. They conceal maximum attraction. The look surprises with its depth and inspiration.

The painter’s work helps to understand why Yermolova’s play was so expressive. Everyone could see through the eyes of the powerful temperament of the artist. They reflected the multifaceted essence of her nature. Serov’s portrait is truly impressive.