Four female figures Zinaida Serebryakova (1884-1967)

The drawing presents four female figures engaged in what appears to be agricultural labor. Executed in a monochromatic medium – likely charcoal or graphite on paper – the work emphasizes line and form over coloristic nuance. The composition is arranged across the frame with each figure occupying a distinct spatial zone, yet linked by an implied horizontal plane that suggests a field or expanse of land.
The first woman stands erect, her gaze directed slightly downward and to the left. She holds what seems to be a length of rope or twine, its tautness suggesting tension or perhaps a connection to another unseen element. Her posture conveys a sense of weary observation rather than active participation in the labor depicted by the others.
The second figure is positioned closer to the viewer, actively manipulating the same rope. The artist has captured her in a moment of concentrated effort; her body leans forward, and her hands are raised as if securing or adjusting the line. This action implies a collaborative element within the work.
Further into the composition, two figures are shown bent over, engaged in what could be harvesting or gathering. Their postures are contorted by the physical demands of their task, with one figure almost entirely prostrate and the other leaning heavily on her forearms. The artist’s rendering of their backs and shoulders highlights the strain and exertion inherent in this type of labor.
The figures are depicted barefoot, a detail that reinforces the sense of groundedness and connection to the earth. Their clothing is simple and functional – loose-fitting garments draped over their bodies – further emphasizing their working-class status. The artist’s use of shading creates a subtle play of light and shadow, defining the forms and adding depth to the drawing.
Beyond the literal depiction of agricultural work, the drawing seems to explore themes of labor, resilience, and perhaps even community. The shared rope acts as a visual metaphor for interconnectedness and mutual dependence. The varying postures and expressions of the women suggest a range of emotional responses to their tasks – from quiet contemplation to focused exertion. There is an underlying sense of dignity in their physical engagement with the land, despite the evident hardship. The drawing avoids sentimentality; instead, it offers a straightforward portrayal of female labor within a rural setting, inviting reflection on the often-unseen contributions of women to agricultural life.