Peasant girl Sergey Vinogradov (1869-1938)

The drawing presents a young woman in profile, standing against a warm-toned background that appears to be paper or parchment. She is depicted from roughly mid-thigh upwards, her posture suggesting a moment of quiet contemplation or perhaps weariness. The artist has rendered her with a directness and economy of line characteristic of preparatory sketches.
The girl’s attire immediately draws attention. A vibrant red headscarf frames her face, contrasting sharply with the pale tones of her blouse. Her skirt is particularly striking; its composed of horizontal bands in a multitude of colors – red, green, blue, white, and yellow – creating a lively visual rhythm. The detail applied to the skirt suggests an interest in documenting or celebrating traditional folk dress. Bare feet are visible beneath the hemline, reinforcing her association with rural life and labor.
Her gesture is significant: she holds a handkerchief to her mouth, partially obscuring her face. This action could be interpreted as modesty, but also as a sign of melancholy or perhaps an attempt to conceal something. The slight downward tilt of her head reinforces this sense of introspection.
The artist’s use of color and line contributes to the overall impression. The sketch is executed with a loose, almost spontaneous quality, suggesting that it might be a study for a larger work. The lines are not always precise; instead, they convey a sense of movement and vitality. The background is left largely unrendered, which focuses attention on the figure and her costume.
The drawing evokes themes of rural life, tradition, and perhaps even social commentary. It’s possible that the artist intended to capture the essence of a particular cultural identity or to explore the lives of those who work the land. The girls posture and gesture suggest a quiet dignity and resilience in the face of hardship. The overall effect is one of poignant observation and understated beauty.

The inscription in the lower right corner, including what appears to be a date (1882) and initials, provides contextual information about the work’s creation.