Портрет ИГ Полетики Petr Sokolov (1791-1848)

The watercolor drawing presents a woman in a formal pose, viewed from the chest up. Her gaze is directed towards the viewer with a directness that suggests confidence and perhaps a degree of self-awareness. The artist has rendered her features with a delicate precision, emphasizing the smoothness of her skin and the clarity of her eyes.
The elaborate hairstyle dominates the upper portion of the composition. It’s constructed in tight, controlled curls, suggesting both fashionable elegance and considerable effort in its creation. Dangling earrings add to the overall impression of refinement and wealth. The womans attire further reinforces this sense of status. A rich red dress is visible beneath a fur stole, likely sable or another valuable pelt. The texture of the fur is loosely rendered with washes of grey and white, creating a visual contrast against the deep color of the garment.
The background is left largely unrendered, appearing as an off-white space that focuses attention entirely on the subject. This simplicity contributes to the portrait’s intimacy; it feels less like a grand ceremonial depiction and more like a private observation. The artists signature appears in the lower right corner, executed with a fluid script.
Subtly, there is a restrained quality to the work. While the woman’s appearance conveys luxury, her expression lacks overt sentimentality or theatricality. This controlled demeanor hints at an underlying composure and perhaps a certain social restraint expected of someone in her position. The overall effect is one of understated elegance and quiet authority.