Girl’s head. Study for portrait of Vyacheslav Yershova with her daughter Vasily Tropinin (1776-1857)

Here we observe a close-up portrait of a young girl, rendered with a focus on capturing her likeness and psychological state. The composition is tightly cropped, centering entirely on her head and upper shoulders. She is positioned at a slight three-quarter angle, which allows for a degree of dynamism while maintaining direct engagement with the viewer.
The artist employed a warm palette dominated by earthy tones – ochres, browns, and muted reds – to depict both the girl’s skin and hair. Her hair, a cascade of tight curls, frames her face and contributes significantly to the overall impression of youthful exuberance. The application of paint appears relatively loose and textured, particularly in the rendering of the hair, suggesting an emphasis on capturing naturalness rather than meticulous detail.
The girls expression is complex. While there’s a hint of a smile playing on her lips, her eyes hold a certain depth and perhaps even a touch of melancholy. This ambiguity prevents a simplistic reading of innocence; instead, it suggests a quiet introspection beyond her years. The rosy cheeks contribute to the impression of health and vitality, but do not entirely dispel the underlying sense of thoughtfulness.
The background is dark and undifferentiated, serving to isolate the subject and direct all attention towards her face. This stark contrast enhances the intensity of her gaze and amplifies the emotional impact of the portrait. The visible cracks in the paint surface contribute to a feeling of age and history, hinting at the passage of time and the enduring nature of memory.
Subtly, the work conveys an intimacy born from observation. It is not merely a representation of physical features but also an attempt to capture something essential about the girl’s character – her inner life. The study-like quality suggests that this may be a preliminary sketch for a larger portrait, underscoring the artists careful consideration of his subject and his desire to convey more than just a superficial likeness.