Countess Saint Hippolytus, nee princess Trubetskaya Zinaida Serebryakova (1884-1967)

The pastel drawing presents a young woman seated against a backdrop suggesting an ornate interior. She is positioned slightly off-center, her gaze directed towards the viewer with a subtle, almost enigmatic expression. The artist has rendered her features with a delicate touch, emphasizing the luminosity of her skin and the depth of her blue eyes. Her hair is styled in an elaborate updo, adorned with what appear to be decorative pins or ornaments.
The woman’s attire consists of a patterned dress, executed in warm tones of orange, yellow, and brown, interwoven with floral motifs. The fabric appears soft and flowing, contributing to the overall impression of relaxed elegance. A delicate necklace rests against her décolletage, adding a touch of refinement.
Behind the sitter, the background is loosely defined using cool blues and grays, suggesting architectural details – possibly a window frame or decorative molding. These elements are not sharply delineated but rather blend into the surrounding space, creating an atmospheric depth that draws attention to the figure in the foreground. The artist’s use of pastel allows for a remarkable range of tonal variation, from the softest highlights to the deepest shadows, contributing to the sense of volume and texture.
The composition conveys a feeling of quiet introspection. There is a certain formality to her pose and attire, indicative perhaps of her social standing, yet this is tempered by the relaxed nature of the setting and the gentle quality of the light. The overall effect is one of restrained beauty and understated nobility. One might interpret the work as an exploration of feminine identity within a privileged context, capturing not only physical likeness but also a sense of inner character.