Portrait of G. M. Balanchine G. Balanchine in a suit of Bacchus Zinaida Serebryakova (1884-1967)

The painting is a pastel portrait of G. M. Balanchine, likely depicting him in a costume that evokes Bacchus, the Roman god of wine and revelry. The subject is shown from the chest up, with his head turned towards the viewer. He has curly dark hair, a light blue band across his forehead, and expressive eyes. His skin is rendered with warm tones, and his lips are slightly parted.
He is draped in a garment made of animal fur, possibly leopard print, which contributes to the Bacchic theme. The fur is depicted with a mix of browns, blacks, and whites, giving it a textured and somewhat wild appearance. One shoulder is bare, revealing smooth skin. The background is rendered in muted tones, with a strong shadow cast on the left side of the subject, adding depth and a sense of drama to the portrait. The rough texture of the pastel medium is visible throughout the artwork, lending a soft yet dynamic quality to the image.
The subtext of the portrait likely lies in the juxtaposition of Balanchines identity as a renowned ballet choreographer with the persona of Bacchus. The costume suggests a connection to themes of passion, ecstasy, and perhaps even a hint of untamed energy, all qualities that could be seen as influential in dance and artistic creation. The direct gaze of Balanchine, combined with the dramatic lighting and the suggestive costume, could imply a portrayal of the artists creative spirit, his Dionysian artistic drive, or his ability to transform and embody different characters through his art. It possibly alludes to a ballet or project where Balanchine himself might have taken on such a role or inspired it. The portrait captures a moment of intense presence, hinting at the dynamism and artistry for which Balanchine was known.