Interrupted date. 1820-e Karl Pavlovich Bryullov (1799-1852)

The scene unfolds on a balcony overlooking what appears to be a garden or courtyard. A young woman leans precariously over the railing, her body angled away from a man who stands below, gazing upwards with evident distress. Her attire suggests a provincial setting; she wears a bodice and skirt combination of contrasting colors – red and yellow – with a blue shawl draped across her shoulders. The fabric clings to her form, revealing a degree of physicality that was likely considered provocative for the period.
The man’s posture is one of supplication. His hands are pressed together in front of his face, his head tilted upwards as if pleading with the woman above. He wears a simple white shirt and dark trousers, indicative of a working-class background. The contrast between their clothing subtly underscores a potential social divide.
The balcony itself is rendered with meticulous detail; one can discern the texture of the stone, the wrought iron railing, and even the pulley system attached to the wall above. This attention to architectural specifics grounds the narrative in a tangible reality. A basket hangs from the pulley, adding another layer of visual interest and potentially hinting at a means of escape or communication.
The woman’s expression is complex; its not one of outright rejection but rather a mixture of apprehension and perhaps even pity. Her hand rests on the railing, seemingly to steady herself, yet also creating a barrier between her and the man below. The angle of her body suggests an unwillingness to fully engage with him.
The subtexts within this composition are numerous. It speaks to themes of thwarted romance, social constraints, and the power dynamics inherent in relationships. The interruption implied by the title – though not explicitly stated – suggests a disruption of expectation, perhaps due to familial disapproval or societal pressure. The man’s posture conveys vulnerability and desperation, while the woman embodies a sense of conflicted duty or obligation.
The overall effect is one of poignant melancholy; a moment frozen in time that encapsulates the complexities of human desire and the limitations imposed by circumstance.