Head of young ladies Vasily Ivanovich Surikov (1848-1916)

The watercolor presents a portrait study of a young woman in profile. The composition is tightly cropped, focusing primarily on her head and shoulders. A sense of immediacy arises from the loose, gestural brushwork characteristic of preparatory sketches.
Here we see a figure rendered with a delicate economy of line and color. The artist employed washes of pale ochre and grey to define the planes of the face, suggesting a youthful complexion. The eyes are indicated by minimal detail, yet convey a sense of quiet introspection or perhaps melancholy. A patterned headscarf, executed in vibrant reds, blues, and whites, provides a focal point, its intricate design contrasting with the muted tones of the skin and clothing.
The woman is draped in what appears to be a fur stole or shawl, rendered in dark brown washes that are applied with a rapid, almost frantic energy. This textural element adds visual weight to the composition and hints at a certain social standing – furs were indicative of wealth and status. The blurring of edges within the fur suggests movement or a fleeting moment captured in time.
The background is left largely undefined, allowing the figure to emerge from an ambiguous space. This lack of context contributes to the portrait’s intimacy; it feels as though we are observing a private moment.
Subtly, theres a sense of restraint and formality within the pose. The woman’s gaze is directed towards something beyond the viewer, suggesting a preoccupation with thoughts or memories. The overall effect is one of understated elegance and quiet dignity, hinting at an inner life that remains largely concealed. The signature in the lower right corner, executed in a similar style to the rest of the work, reinforces the impression of a spontaneous, yet carefully considered study.