Портрет Анны и Екатерины Васильчиковых в маскарадных костюмах 1830 е часть 2 - Russian and soviet artists Русские и советские художники

The watercolor drawing presents two young girls in elaborate costumes, seemingly intended for a masquerade or festive occasion. They stand posed against a plain background, which emphasizes their attire and individual presence. The artist has employed a delicate wash technique, creating subtle gradations of color that lend the figures an ethereal quality.
On the left stands a girl slightly taller than her companion. She is depicted in profile, holding a small basket with what appears to be flowers or pastries. Her costume consists of a voluminous, layered skirt and bodice, accented by sheer sleeves gathered at the wrist. A wide-brimmed hat adorned with floral arrangements crowns her head, partially obscuring her face. The angle of her gaze suggests a certain formality and perhaps a touch of youthful reserve.
The girl on the right faces forward, offering a more direct engagement with the viewer. Her costume mirrors elements of the first girl’s attire – the dark bodice and layered skirt – but is distinguished by a tall, pointed headdress decorated with flowers. The expression on her face appears somewhat melancholic or introspective, contrasting slightly with the playful nature suggested by the costumes.
The color palette is dominated by soft pastels – creams, pinks, and pale blues – which contribute to an overall sense of lightness and refinement. Subtle shading around the eyes and mouth attempts to capture individual character traits, though a degree of idealization is evident in both portraits. The artist’s signature appears at the bottom center, rendered in elegant script.
Beyond the surface depiction of children in costume, the drawing hints at social context. The elaborate nature of their attire suggests a privileged upbringing and participation in high society events. The masquerade theme itself implies an element of disguise and role-playing, potentially alluding to themes of identity and performance within a structured social order. The contrast between the two girls’ expressions – one reserved, one seemingly pensive – might suggest differing personalities or perhaps subtle commentary on the expectations placed upon young women in this era. Ultimately, the drawing serves as a glimpse into a specific moment in time, capturing not only the outward appearance of these children but also hinting at the social and cultural values that shaped their world.