Portrait of a young girl. 1829. B., um. c. 30. 3h22. 7. GRM Orest Adamovich Kiprensky (1782-1836)

Here we observe a monochrome portrait depicting a young woman, likely in her late teens or early twenties. The composition is straightforward: she occupies nearly the entire frame, presented from the chest upwards. Her gaze is directed towards the viewer with a directness that suggests both confidence and perhaps a touch of vulnerability.
The artist has rendered considerable detail in the rendering of her face. Noticeable are the delicate features – the slightly parted lips, the subtle curve of her eyebrows, and the soft modeling of the cheekbones. The hair is styled in an elaborate braid, coiled at the crown of her head, with tendrils escaping to frame her face. A single earring adorns one ear.
The clothing provides further insight into the subject’s social standing. She wears a high-necked dress with intricate embroidery around the collar and sleeves. A decorative cross is prominently displayed on a ribbon around her neck; its presence implies affiliation with an order or organization, suggesting a position of some privilege or distinction. The fabric appears to be of fine quality, contributing to the overall impression of refinement.
The tonal range employed by the artist creates a sense of depth and volume. Light falls primarily from the left, illuminating one side of her face and chest while leaving the other in shadow. This chiaroscuro effect enhances the three-dimensionality of the figure and draws attention to her eyes. The background is rendered with a softer focus, allowing the subject to remain the clear focal point.
Subtleties within the portrait suggest more than just a straightforward representation. Theres an air of melancholy or introspection in her expression that prevents the image from being purely celebratory. It’s possible this reflects a broader cultural mood of the period – a sense of restrained emotion and quiet dignity. The formality of the pose, combined with the somewhat somber palette, contributes to a feeling of solemnity rather than exuberance.
The inscription at the bottom indicates the date (1829) and what appears to be the artist’s signature. This contextual information anchors the work within a specific historical moment and suggests it was intended as a formal record – a memorialization of an individual, likely someone of importance.