Sibiryachka Vasily Ivanovich Surikov (1848-1916)

Description of Vasily Surikov’s painting Sibiryachka (Siberian Girl)

The painting was painted in oil on canvas in 1909.

The canvas belongs to the late work of Surikov. The artist wrote extensively on subjects related to Siberia.

The ladies in front of the mirror is one of the most favorite subjects for artists of different times. For them they were a muse and inspiration. Everyone could find something special and transfer it to the canvas. Russian women have always been distinguished by their beauty and strength, which could not fail to excite the souls of artists.

Surikov’s painting "Sibiryachka" shows us a true Russian woman. The painting is filled with the artist’s admiration for the beauty of the Siberian lady. The lady looks in the vintage mirror, admiring her lush and high breasts, thick, luxurious hair.

Everything about her image suggests that she is proud of herself. The blue-eyed lady scrutinizes whether the dark blue silk fabric suits her and imagines herself in a future outfit.

The girl embodies the ideal of a Siberian beauty for the artist, whom she captivated by her magnificence. It is not for nothing that Russian women were considered the most beautiful in all centuries. A true lady had to have a lush body and white skin.

Surikov depicted the cozy atmosphere with a combination of brown hues, deep rich blue. The dark background makes the Siberian woman’s skin even whiter. Surikov was a master of his craft, which is reflected in his ability to convey the depth of the girl’s gaze, the texture of the fabric, which makes her loin proud and light, and the sparkle in the red hue of her hair.

One gets the feeling that the artist was passing by and saw this subject through a window or ajar door. Then he took a canvas and brushes and began to paint, and the lady didn’t even know it. She continued to maneuver her new fabric and her unique image.

Surikov’s painting "Sibiryanka" won the hearts of many over the past century. Not catchy shades do not prevent to convey the depth and texture of the subject, which speaks of the skill of the artist’s hand.