With guitar. Portrait of Princess S. Kropotkin Vasily Ivanovich Surikov (1848-1916)

The composition presents a young woman seated and engaged in playing a guitar. She is positioned centrally within the frame, her posture suggesting both concentration and a certain formality. The artist has chosen a vertical format, which emphasizes the figures height and directs the viewer’s gaze upwards.
Here we see a muted palette dominating the scene; earthy tones of brown, grey, and beige are prevalent in the woman’s dress and the background. This limited color range contributes to an overall sense of restraint and quietude. The light source appears to be diffused, casting soft shadows that gently model her features and the folds of her clothing.
The young womans attire is noteworthy. Her dress, with its layered skirt and high collar, suggests a degree of social standing or adherence to conventional norms. However, the slightly disheveled appearance of the fabric – the way it gathers around her feet and drapes loosely over her legs – introduces an element of informality that contrasts with the formality of the garment itself. The dark shawl draped around her shoulders further adds to this sense of layered identity.
Her expression is difficult to read definitively; theres a hint of melancholy or introspection in her eyes, but it’s tempered by a certain composure. She looks directly at the viewer, creating a direct connection that invites contemplation. Her hands, positioned on the guitar strings, are rendered with considerable detail, highlighting the physical act of playing and suggesting a degree of skill.
The guitar itself is not depicted as an object of pristine beauty; it appears somewhat worn, its dark wood blending into the overall tonal scheme. This suggests a familiarity with the instrument, implying that music-making is more than just a performance – it’s a personal practice. The placement of her feet, one slightly forward and the other tucked behind, contributes to the sense of relaxed posture despite the formal dress.
Subtly, the painting hints at themes of identity and self-expression within the constraints of societal expectations. The young womans engagement with music can be interpreted as a means of personal release or a way to navigate the complexities of her social position. The muted colors and introspective gaze suggest an inner world that is not fully revealed, leaving room for speculation about her thoughts and feelings.