The resting ballerina. Portrait of a ballerina M. S. Dobrolyubova Zinaida Serebryakova (1884-1967)

Here we observe a portrait depicting a young woman in repose, likely a dancer given her attire and posture. The artist employed pastel on paper, creating a delicate and somewhat muted color palette dominated by earthy tones – ochre, beige, and soft browns – which contribute to an atmosphere of quiet introspection.
The subject is seated on what appears to be a low divan or bench. Her left leg is extended gracefully, the foot pointed in a classical ballet position, while her right leg is bent at the knee, supporting some of her weight. She rests one arm along the side of the seat and holds the other hand gently clasped in her lap. The costume consists of a bodice with short sleeves and a layered skirt characteristic of ballet attire. A small bow adorns the waist.
The artist’s technique is characterized by loose, expressive strokes that suggest movement and fluidity even within the stillness of the pose. Details are rendered with a degree of impressionism; facial features are not sharply defined but suggested through subtle shading and tonal variations. The hair, dark and styled in an elaborate updo, frames her face, drawing attention to her gaze.
The woman’s expression is complex – a mixture of weariness and perhaps melancholy. Her eyes possess a certain depth, hinting at inner thoughts or experiences beyond the immediate moment. Theres a vulnerability conveyed through this quietness, suggesting a life lived under scrutiny and demanding physical exertion. The background remains largely undefined, allowing focus to remain entirely on the subject.
Subtly, the work explores themes of rest and recovery within the context of a physically demanding profession. It is not merely a depiction of a dancer; it’s an exploration of her humanity – the moments of quiet contemplation and exhaustion that lie beneath the surface of performance. The muted colors and loose brushwork contribute to a sense of intimacy, as if we are granted a private glimpse into the life of this individual.