Sketch 1 Sergey Sergeyevich Solomko (1867-1928)

The drawing presents a figure in elaborate costume, rendered on what appears to be aged paper with visible traces of previous markings and notations in the upper portion. The subject is depicted in a full-length pose, facing slightly towards the viewers left. A sense of theatricality pervades the work; the posture suggests a performer poised for presentation.
The color palette is dominated by muted greens and yellows, punctuated by accents of red and gold. The figure’s tunic is a deep green, layered over what seems to be a golden waistcoat embroidered with intricate patterns in red. A long, flowing coat, also predominantly green, drapes from the shoulders, its sleeves gathered at the wrists. Brown leather boots complete the ensemble.
The headwear is particularly striking: a tall, conical hat adorned with a decorative element that resembles a stylized feather or plume. The face itself is rendered with delicate shading, suggesting a youthful and somewhat androgynous appearance. A hint of a mustache adds to the character’s ambiguous persona.
A prominent X mark is drawn near the lower left corner, seemingly an initial sketch or annotation by the artist. Handwritten notations in Cyrillic script are visible at the top, further indicating the drawings provenance and potential function as a preparatory study. The presence of these markings contributes to the feeling that we are viewing a working document rather than a finished piece.
The overall impression is one of studied detail and careful consideration of texture and form. It’s likely intended as a design for a theatrical production, possibly an opera or ballet, where exoticism and stylized representation would be valued. The figures ambiguous gender presentation and the richness of the costume suggest a character that transcends conventional roles, hinting at themes of transformation, disguise, or perhaps even a commentary on societal norms.