Portrait of E. I. Finogenova Zinaida Serebryakova (1884-1967)

The composition presents a half-length portrait of a young woman positioned against a backdrop of muted ochre and cream tones. She is depicted in profile, her gaze directed slightly off-center, suggesting introspection or perhaps a momentary distraction. The artist has rendered her with a naturalistic approach, emphasizing the subtle nuances of her features – the delicate curve of her lips, the slight furrowing of her brow, and the intensity of her blue eyes.
The woman’s hair is styled in a relatively simple updo, revealing the nape of her neck and contributing to an overall impression of understated elegance. She wears a light-colored blouse with softly gathered sleeves, the fabric rendered with careful attention to its texture and how it drapes across her form. The play of light on the garment creates subtle highlights and shadows, adding depth and volume.
The background is deliberately ambiguous; it appears to be an interior space defined by vertical panels or curtains that partially obscure a view beyond. This limited perspective contributes to a sense of enclosure and focuses attention squarely on the subject.
A signature and date are visible in the lower left corner, indicating the work was completed in 1910. The inscription is rendered in a script consistent with the period’s aesthetic conventions.
Beyond the straightforward depiction of a person, the painting conveys an atmosphere of quiet contemplation. The womans expression isnt overtly joyful or sorrowful; rather, it suggests a complex inner life. The restrained color palette and the lack of overt ornamentation contribute to a sense of psychological depth. It is possible that the artist intended to portray not just physical likeness but also a glimpse into the sitter’s character – a woman of intelligence and perhaps a certain melancholy. The overall effect is one of dignified reserve, characteristic of portraiture from this era.