Portrait Of A Young Girl Alexei Alexeivich Harlamoff (1840-1923)

Here we observe a charcoal drawing depicting a young woman in profile. The composition is tightly focused on her head and upper shoulders, eliminating any background elements and directing attention entirely to the subjects features and demeanor. Her gaze is directed slightly upwards and towards the left, suggesting introspection or perhaps a distant observation.
The artist employed a loose, expressive charcoal technique. Hatching and cross-hatching create tonal variations that define form and texture, particularly evident in the rendering of her short, layered hairstyle. The hair appears somewhat tousled, contributing to an overall impression of naturalness and youthful vitality. A delicate shading around the eyes conveys a sense of depth and subtle emotion.
The neck is slender and gracefully curved, leading down to the suggestion of a blouse or dress with loosely rendered folds. These are treated with similar expressive mark-making as the hair, avoiding precise detail in favor of capturing the essence of fabric texture. The signature at the bottom right corner indicates authorship, but its placement does not detract from the overall composition.
Subtly, the drawing conveys an air of quiet dignity and self-possession. While youthful, there is a certain maturity suggested by her gaze and posture. The lack of ornamentation or elaborate clothing reinforces this sense of understated elegance. The artist’s choice to depict her in profile allows for a focus on the contours of her face, emphasizing bone structure and creating an impression of character rather than mere likeness. Its possible to interpret the work as a study not just of physical appearance but also of inner life – a fleeting moment captured with sensitivity and skill.