Age. At the turn of XX century Sergey Sergeyevich Solomko (1867-1928)

The drawing presents a female figure in profile, rendered with a limited tonal range primarily utilizing dark brown ink on a beige background. The subject is positioned slightly off-center, creating a sense of asymmetry that contributes to the overall visual dynamism. She appears to be dressed in elaborate attire; a heavily ornamented headdress sits atop her head, and she wears what seems to be a patterned dress with a low neckline, partially obscured by a dark shawl draped over her shoulders.
The artist’s handling of line is notable. Bold, decisive strokes define the contours of the figure, while finer lines suggest texture within the clothing and hair. Theres an economy of detail; facial features are simplified, yet retain a recognizable elegance. The gaze is directed upwards and slightly to the right, conveying a sense of introspection or perhaps aspiration.
The inscription at the top, rendered in stylized lettering, appears to be a title or caption. Its placement above the figure suggests its importance in understanding the work’s meaning.
Subtleties within the drawing hint at themes beyond mere portraiture. The elaborate dress and headdress suggest a position of social standing or perhaps theatrical performance. However, the somewhat melancholic expression and the upward gaze might imply a yearning for something beyond her immediate circumstances – a sense of dissatisfaction or longing that transcends outward appearances. The limited color palette contributes to an atmosphere of quiet contemplation, reinforcing the impression of inner reflection rather than overt display. The drawing’s overall effect is one of understated elegance tinged with a subtle undercurrent of melancholy, characteristic of artistic explorations prevalent at the turn of the twentieth century.