Portrait of Yekaterina Kulikova Ivan Kulikov (1875-1941)

The drawing presents a woman in profile, contained within an oval frame that emphasizes her form and isolates her from any external environment. The artist has chosen a three-quarter profile view, allowing for a clear depiction of the facial features while also hinting at a sense of introspection or contemplation.
Here we see a young woman with dark hair styled in a bob, characteristic of the early 20th century. Her skin tone is rendered with subtle gradations, suggesting a delicate complexion and careful observation on the part of the artist. The eyes are directed towards an unseen point beyond the viewer, conveying a sense of melancholy or perhaps quiet determination. A soft light illuminates her face, highlighting the contours of her nose and chin, while leaving areas in shadow that add depth and complexity to her expression.
The woman is draped with what appears to be a fur stole, its texture rendered through loose, expressive strokes. The fur’s softness contrasts with the firmness of her facial features, creating a visual tension between vulnerability and resilience. The artists use of muted colors – grays, browns, and creams – contributes to an overall atmosphere of restraint and elegance.
The signature in the lower left corner, along with the date (1925), provides contextual information without intruding on the subject’s presence. The oval format itself suggests a formal portrait, perhaps commissioned by someone who wished to preserve her likeness for posterity.
Subtly, the drawing conveys an impression of quiet dignity and inner strength. The womans gaze, directed away from the viewer, implies a life lived beyond the confines of the portrait itself – a suggestion of personal history and untold stories. The overall effect is one of understated beauty and psychological depth.