Portrait of A. K. Benois Konstantin Andreevich Somov (1869-1939)

The pastel drawing presents a seated figure, likely a woman, positioned against a backdrop suggesting an outdoor gathering or promenade. The subject is rendered in a style characterized by loose brushwork and a muted palette dominated by earthy tones – ochres, browns, and creams – with touches of pale pink and grey.
Here we see the sitter dressed in what appears to be early nineteenth-century attire: a high-collared bonnet adorned with feathers, a low-cut bodice, and a sash tied around her waist. The fabric’s texture is suggested through delicate strokes, particularly noticeable in the rendering of the lace details on the collar and sash. Her posture is somewhat reserved; she rests one hand on the back of what seems to be a chair, while the other is positioned near her side. Her gaze is directed towards the viewer, though it lacks directness, conveying an impression of quiet contemplation or perhaps slight melancholy.
The background is less precisely defined, but reveals glimpses of other figures in period clothing strolling through a park-like setting. These secondary figures are rendered with even greater abstraction than the central subject, appearing as indistinct shapes and forms that contribute to a sense of depth and atmosphere. A statue, partially visible amongst the trees, adds an element of classical allusion, hinting at a connection between the present moment and historical or artistic traditions.
The artist’s use of pastel allows for a subtle interplay of light and shadow across the subjects face and clothing. The diffused lighting creates a soft, almost dreamlike quality, while the loose application of color lends an immediacy to the work.
Subtly, there is a sense of isolation conveyed by the figure’s placement within the composition. While surrounded by others in the background, she remains distinct and somewhat detached, suggesting a possible exploration of themes related to individual identity or social standing. The muted colors and introspective gaze contribute to this feeling, creating an overall impression of quiet dignity tinged with a hint of sadness.