Portrait of Maria Konstantinovna Golovina, the artist’s wife Alexander Golovin (1863-1930)

The composition presents a half-length portrait of a woman viewed in profile. She is positioned slightly off-center, her gaze directed downwards and towards the left of the frame. The artist has chosen to depict her in a moment of quiet contemplation, or perhaps melancholy.
Here we see an emphasis on capturing fleeting impressions rather than precise detail. Brushstrokes are loose and visible, contributing to a sense of immediacy and intimacy. The color palette is restrained, dominated by muted greens, browns, and blacks, with touches of warmer tones highlighting the hair and collar. This limited range reinforces the somber mood.
The woman’s dark hair is styled in an elaborate updo, though strands escape, softening the formality of the arrangement. Her features are rendered with a delicate sensitivity; the slight downturn of her mouth suggests introspection or sadness. The artist has skillfully used light to model her face, emphasizing the curve of her cheek and the subtle shadows beneath her eyes.
The background is indistinct, appearing as a blurred expanse of color that does not compete for attention but rather serves to isolate the figure. A suggestion of patterned fabric can be discerned behind her, hinting at an interior setting without providing specific details. The lack of environmental context further focuses the viewer’s attention on the womans emotional state.
The clothing she wears – a dark dress with a white collar and tie – is characteristic of late 19th or early 20th-century fashion. The simplicity of her attire, coupled with the intimate setting, suggests a personal connection between the artist and his subject. It is likely that this work aims to capture not just a likeness but also an essence – a glimpse into the inner life of someone known intimately by the creator.

The subtexts within the painting revolve around themes of introspection, quiet beauty, and perhaps a sense of underlying sadness or resignation. The downward gaze and subdued expression invite speculation about her thoughts and feelings, creating a sense of mystery that draws the viewer in.