Two female figures 1880 29. 3h22. 8 Ivan Ivanovich Shishkin (1832-1898)

The painting depicts two women in 19th-century attire outdoors, with lush greenery in the background suggesting a park or garden setting. The woman on the left wears a vibrant red jacket over a voluminous, light-colored skirt and a straw hat. She is turned away from the viewer, holding a parasol that is partially open and leaning on the ground.
The woman on the right is dressed in a dark, austere gown and also holds a closed umbrella. Her gaze is directed forward, though her features are somewhat indistinct. The contrast between the two womens attire – the bright red jacket versus the somber black dress – might suggest a difference in their status, mood, or personalities.
The subdued lighting and impressionistic brushstrokes contribute to an atmospheric, though somewhat melancholic, mood. The composition, with the figures set against a natural backdrop and engaged in seemingly casual interaction (or lack thereof, given their differing gazes), evokes a sense of everyday life during the period. The partially open parasol of the left figure may symbolize openness or a moment of pause, while the closed umbrella of the right figure could imply a more reserved or prepared stance. The painting captures a fleeting moment, inviting the viewer to contemplate the relationship and unspoken narratives between these two women.