young ladies in purple sleeveless jackets Vasily Ivanovich Surikov (1848-1916)

The composition presents a solitary female figure viewed from behind, positioned against a blurred and indistinct background. The subject is dressed in elaborate attire that dominates the visual field. A voluminous skirt, patterned with a dense floral motif rendered in warm earth tones – ochre, brown, and cream – expands dramatically, creating a sense of opulent weight. Above this, a dark purple jacket, seemingly made from a plush fabric, drapes over her shoulders, its texture adding another layer to the visual richness. A matching head covering obscures much of her face, leaving only a glimpse of her profile and an indication of elaborate ornamentation within the folds of the cloth. She carries a small bag or purse in one hand.
The background is rendered with loose brushstrokes, suggesting a snow-covered landscape punctuated by indistinct architectural elements – perhaps a wall or building – and foliage. The lack of sharp detail in this area serves to isolate the figure and direct attention toward her clothing and posture.
Several subtexts emerge from this arrangement. The subject’s averted gaze and downcast head convey a sense of introspection, melancholy, or perhaps even resignation. Her elaborate dress suggests a position of privilege or social standing, yet the somber color palette and solitary setting introduce an element of isolation or confinement. The patterned skirt, while visually striking, could be interpreted as symbolic of societal expectations or constraints placed upon women during the period depicted.
The overall effect is one of quiet drama – a portrait not merely of a person but of a mood, a moment suspended in time. The artist’s choice to depict the figure from behind denies direct engagement with her expression, inviting speculation about her inner state and the circumstances surrounding her solitude.