Sketch for a portrait PI Scherbatova 1. 1911 Valentin Serov (1865-1911)

Here we observe a preliminary sketch for a portrait, executed in graphite on paper. The subject is a woman standing near what appears to be a balcony or window ledge. Her posture suggests a contemplative mood; she rests her hands lightly upon the railing, and her gaze is directed slightly downward and off to one side.
The artist has rendered the figure with loose, expressive lines that emphasize movement and fluidity. The dress drapes around her form in sweeping curves, indicated by the rapid strokes of graphite which suggest a sense of weight and texture. The treatment of the hair is similarly gestural, conveying volume rather than precise detail.
The background is sketched with even less precision, consisting primarily of vertical lines that likely represent architectural elements – perhaps columns or window frames. This minimal rendering directs attention to the figure herself. The limited tonal range contributes to a sense of immediacy and informality, characteristic of preparatory sketches.
Subtleties in the woman’s expression hint at an interiority beyond what is immediately visible. Theres a quiet dignity about her bearing, coupled with a trace of melancholy or perhaps introspection. The sketch doesn’t offer definitive answers but rather invites speculation regarding her thoughts and feelings. The placement near the balcony suggests a connection to the outside world, yet she remains somewhat detached, poised between interiority and exterior observation.
The overall impression is one of careful study and exploration – a moment captured in the process of artistic creation, revealing not just an outward likeness but also a glimpse into the sitter’s character as perceived by the artist.