Helene (with a fashionable Japanese hairstyle); Helene (mit modischer Japanfrisur) Marianne von Werefkin (1860-1938)

The watercolor drawing presents a seated female figure against a warm, ochre-toned background. The subject is depicted in a somewhat frontal pose, though her torso is angled slightly towards the viewers left. Her gaze appears directed downwards, conveying an impression of introspection or perhaps slight melancholy.
The artist employed a loose and expressive brushstroke throughout, creating a sense of immediacy and spontaneity. Color is applied in washes, with varying degrees of saturation that define form and volume. The skin tones are rendered in pale pinks and creams, subtly shaded to suggest the play of light across her body. Darker blues and purples delineate the contours of her hair and clothing, providing contrast against the lighter flesh tones.
A striking feature is the elaborate hairstyle – a voluminous arrangement that evokes a distinctly Eastern aesthetic, likely inspired by Japanese fashion trends prevalent at the time. This stylistic choice introduces an element of exoticism and cultural appropriation into the composition. The figure’s attire consists of dark trousers or leggings, which further contribute to the unconventional nature of her presentation.
The overall effect is one of delicate vulnerability combined with a certain aloofness. Theres a sense that the subject is both exposed and self-contained. The lack of detailed background focuses attention entirely on the figure, amplifying her presence within the frame. The drawing’s style suggests an interest in capturing not just physical appearance but also psychological state – a fleeting moment of quiet contemplation.

The work seems to explore themes of beauty, femininity, and cultural exchange through a lens of modern artistic experimentation.