#22351 Leon Bakst

The drawing presents a figure rendered in muted earth tones against a heavily textured, aged paper background. The central subject is a woman, depicted full-length and slightly angled towards the viewers left. Her attire suggests a folk or traditional costume; she wears a vibrant red cap, an elaborate patterned shawl with orange and yellow stripes punctuated by small dots, and a dark, fringed garment that falls to her ankles. A lighter fabric drapes over her shoulders, adding another layer of visual complexity. The artist has employed loose brushstrokes and washes to create a sense of movement and texture in the clothing, while also suggesting age and wear.
The woman’s face is partially obscured by shadow and the folds of her shawl, but hints at advanced years – deep-set eyes and lines etched around the mouth suggest a life lived. Her hands are clasped loosely in front of her, conveying an air of quiet dignity rather than active engagement. The feet, rendered with minimal detail, appear to be clad in simple footwear.
Flanking the central figure are several smaller sketches and handwritten text. To the left, a quick study depicts what appears to be a bag or pouch. On the right side, a more detailed sketch shows a woman’s upper torso and neck adorned with jewelry. The accompanying script, written in an unfamiliar language, fills much of the space around these sketches, creating a dense visual field that contributes to the overall sense of historical documentation or ethnographic study.
The presence of the text is significant; it implies that this drawing might be part of a larger collection intended for recording cultural traditions or customs. The combination of the detailed figure and the accompanying notes suggests an attempt at preserving details about a specific individual or group, rather than simply creating a portrait. The aged appearance of the paper and the muted color palette contribute to a feeling of antiquity and authenticity, reinforcing the impression that this is a record from another time. The overall effect is one of quiet observation and respectful documentation, hinting at an interest in preserving cultural heritage.