Maria Butakova, nee Evreinova Zinaida Serebryakova (1884-1967)

The portrait presents a young woman in what appears to be a fur-trimmed coat, set against a backdrop of loosely rendered, muted colors. The composition is straightforward; she occupies nearly the entire frame, her gaze directed towards the viewer with an expression that blends composure and a subtle melancholy.
Here we see a deliberate focus on texture. The artist has employed visible brushstrokes to convey the plushness of the fur collar and the weight of the coat’s fabric. This textural emphasis extends to the rendering of the womans face, where the skin appears almost tactile, with careful attention paid to the play of light and shadow across her features. Her dark hat sits squarely on her head, framing a face characterized by high cheekbones and a slightly downturned mouth.
The color palette is restrained, dominated by browns, grays, and muted blues. This limited range contributes to an overall sense of quiet introspection. The background’s indistinct quality serves to isolate the figure, drawing attention solely to her presence.
Subtleties in the portrait suggest a narrative beyond a simple likeness. The coat itself implies a certain social standing or perhaps a journey undertaken – its fur trim hinting at colder climates or travel. The womans direct gaze establishes an immediate connection with the viewer, yet it is difficult to discern her inner thoughts. There’s a sense of contained emotion, a quiet dignity that suggests resilience and perhaps a degree of sadness.
The inscription in the upper right corner – Paris, 1931 – provides a temporal context, placing the portrait within a specific historical moment. This detail might imply displacement or transition, adding another layer to the woman’s enigmatic expression. The overall effect is one of understated elegance and quiet contemplation, leaving room for individual interpretation regarding her story and circumstances.