Portrait MF Morozova. 1897 Valentin Serov (1865-1911)
Valentin Serov – Portrait MF Morozova. 1897
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Painter: Valentin Serov
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The first work in a series of portraits of the Morozovs, Russia’s famous wealthy, was a canvas by Serov depicting the elderly Maria Fyodorovna. The portrait was executed in 1897. What is interesting about the image of the richest Russian woman? М. F. Morozova is placed in the focus of the portrait on a neutral non-uniform gray background. The figure of the woman is sitting in an armchair. The gilt on the back and the soft velvet of the dark blue upholstery are noticeable.
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Description of Valentin Serov’s painting "Portrait of M. F. Morozova".
The first work in a series of portraits of the Morozovs, Russia’s famous wealthy, was a canvas by Serov depicting the elderly Maria Fyodorovna. The portrait was executed in 1897. What is interesting about the image of the richest Russian woman?
М. F. Morozova is placed in the focus of the portrait on a neutral non-uniform gray background. The figure of the woman is sitting in an armchair. The gilt on the back and the soft velvet of the dark blue upholstery are noticeable. The lady is clad in a black dress, its contours indistinct. The dark mass of fabric seems to overwhelm the figure, ominously reaching down from somewhere below. Black gives the image a certain monumentality, seriousness, significance.
The ruffles on the collar of the vest create a paradoxical impression, they are similar to funny ruffles and look comical and absurd on a mature woman. Her gray hair is neatly tucked behind a kerchief tied with a bow, which also looks slightly inappropriate and ridiculous. The heroine’s hands rest in her lap, holding her glasses off.
The face is the centerpiece of the image. In it we notice some disproportion. The right eye is slightly closed, while the left eye stares intently and contemptuously forward, at the viewer. Morozova’s face shows determination and readiness to go to the goal against all odds.
One can sense in the portrait of the millionaire the artist’s aversion to her. It’s as if he is convinced of the dishonest ways of achieving her immense wealth. There is no light and spiritual content in her intimidating but somewhat pathetic figure.
"A sturdy intelligent old woman" - so boldly called Maria Feodorovna the author of the portrait. This "mother" of wealthy factory workers and merchants is clearly overbearing, not only with her workers, but also with her own sons and husband, Timothy Savvich.
Carelessly executed background is clearly different from the detailed elaboration of facial expressions and details. Serov managed to describe a distinct character in a limited color palette.
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The picture has something of this: people, wear, portrait, facial expression, man, lid, outerwear, veil, jacket, two, furniture, child, woman, son.
Perhaps it’s a painting of a woman sitting in a chair wearing a black dress with a ruffled cap on her head and a black scarf.