Arab and Negro Musicians Zinaida Serebryakova (1884-1967)

The drawing presents two figures seated close together, engaged in musical performance. The composition is dominated by a sense of intimacy and shared experience. Here we see one individual, presumably the Arab figure, with lighter skin tones and distinct facial features – high cheekbones, a slightly elongated nose, and dark eyes cast downwards as if concentrating on playing a stringed instrument resembling an oud or lute. He wears a white turban and loose-fitting robes of a pale hue, suggesting a certain degree of comfort and perhaps even status.
Beside him sits another figure, characterized by darker skin tones and a more angular face. This individual holds a violin, his gaze directed towards the other musician, implying an active collaboration in their musical endeavor. He too is draped in white robes and wears a similar turban, reinforcing a visual connection between them despite differences in complexion.
The background is indistinct, rendered with muted earth tones that create a sense of enclosure and focus attention on the two musicians. A small table sits before them, upon which are placed what appear to be coins or tokens – potentially symbolic representations of payment for their performance, or perhaps simply props contributing to the scenes atmosphere.
The artist’s use of pastel lends a softness to the image, blurring sharp lines and creating an overall impression of quiet contemplation. The figures are not idealized; they possess a certain realism in their features, suggesting an attempt at portraying individuals rather than archetypes.
Subtly, the work seems to explore themes of cultural exchange and shared artistic expression. The pairing of these two men, differentiated by skin tone but united through music, hints at a potential commentary on overcoming societal divisions or celebrating diversity. However, given the historical context in which this drawing was created, it is also possible that the depiction reflects prevailing colonial attitudes towards exotic cultures – an observation requiring further contextualization to fully understand its implications. The intimacy of their proximity and shared activity suggests a complex relationship beyond simple categorization.