#01256 RUSSIAN PAINTING OF THE EIGHTEENTH CENTURY

The painting presents two young women positioned closely together against a dark, indistinct background. Both figures possess similar facial features – high foreheads, full lips, and large eyes – suggesting either kinship or deliberate artistic intention to emphasize their shared characteristics. Their hair is styled in the fashionable curls of the late 18th or early 19th century, framing faces that convey a quiet introspection.
Each woman holds a stringed instrument: one grasps a lute with an orange-red hue, while the other supports what appears to be a zither or similar plucked instrument, accompanied by sheet music. The instruments are not positioned for active playing; rather, they seem to be props, contributing to the overall composition and perhaps symbolizing artistic pursuits or refined leisure.
The women’s attire is simple yet elegant: high-waisted gowns in muted tones of grey and white, with delicate draping across their shoulders. This understated elegance reinforces a sense of modesty and refinement. The lack of overt ornamentation directs attention towards their faces and the subtle nuances of their expressions.
Here we see an emphasis on psychological depth rather than narrative action. Their gazes are directed outward, yet they seem lost in thought, creating a contemplative atmosphere. The close proximity of the figures suggests intimacy or shared experience, while the instruments hint at artistic talent or appreciation for music.
The subdued color palette and soft lighting contribute to a sense of quiet dignity and timelessness. The indistinct background serves to isolate the subjects, focusing attention on their individual presence and the subtle interplay between them. Overall, the painting conveys an impression of refined sensibility and introspective beauty, characteristic of portraiture from a period emphasizing sentimentality and idealized representations of youth.