Портрет Анны и Екатерины Васильчиковых в маскарадных костюмах 1830 е Petr Sokolov (1791-1848)

The watercolor drawing presents two young girls in elaborate costumes, seemingly intended for a masquerade or festive occasion. They stand posed against a plain background, which directs attention entirely towards their attire and demeanor. The older girl, positioned slightly ahead, holds a woven basket and gazes directly at the viewer with an expression that is both curious and reserved. Her costume consists of a layered dress in pale shades, accented by a dark bodice and a wide-brimmed hat adorned with floral embellishments. The hat’s design suggests a pastoral or folk theme.
The younger girl stands slightly behind her sister, turned partially to the side. She wears a similar style of dress, but her headwear is markedly different – a tall, pointed cap decorated with flowers. Her gaze is directed downwards, conveying an impression of shyness or perhaps a touch of melancholy.
The artist’s use of watercolor allows for delicate gradations of color and light, lending the figures a soft, ethereal quality. The rendering of fabric textures – the sheen of the dress, the weave of the basket – demonstrates considerable technical skill. Subtle shading around the eyes and cheeks gives them depth and life.
Beyond the surface depiction, the drawing hints at social context. The costumes suggest an attempt to embody specific roles or characters, indicative of a playful engagement with societal conventions. The girls’ formal poses and attire imply a certain level of privilege and access to elaborate festivities. Their expressions, however, introduce a layer of complexity; they are not merely joyful performers but also appear somewhat detached, perhaps reflecting the constraints imposed by their social standing or the formality of the occasion. The contrast between the older girls direct gaze and the younger’s averted one could be interpreted as representing differing personalities or stages in childhood development. Ultimately, the drawing offers a glimpse into a moment of youthful performance within a structured social environment.