Barbara Ushakov. 1810 Paper, pencil. 23h24. 3 Orest Adamovich Kiprensky (1782-1836)

The drawing presents a woman viewed from behind, her form rendered in delicate pencil strokes on paper. The composition is tightly focused; we see primarily her upper body and elaborate hairstyle. Her posture suggests a slight turn away from the viewer, creating an air of reserve or perhaps contemplation.
Here we observe a meticulous attention to detail in the depiction of her hair. It’s styled with considerable complexity – curls, braids, and what appears to be a central bun are carefully sketched, indicating a fashionable coiffure typical of the early 19th century. The artist has captured the texture and volume of the hair through varying degrees of shading, lending it a three-dimensional quality.
The woman’s dress is simple in its cut but elegant in its presentation. It appears to be a high-necked gown with short sleeves gathered at the shoulders, characteristic of the periods aesthetic preferences for restrained silhouettes. The lines defining the fabric are fluid and suggest a soft drape, hinting at the material’s quality.
The drawing’s monochromatic palette contributes to its understated elegance. The lack of color directs attention towards the form and line work, emphasizing the artist’s skill in capturing likeness and texture with pencil alone.
Subtleties within the drawing invite interpretation. Her turned posture could signify a degree of modesty or perhaps a deliberate distancing from an unseen observer. The meticulous rendering of her hairstyle might suggest an emphasis on social standing or adherence to prevailing beauty standards. The overall impression is one of quiet dignity and refined taste, offering a glimpse into the personal presentation of a woman within a specific historical context. A signature appears in the lower right corner, providing evidence of authorship but not revealing further information about the subject or the circumstances surrounding its creation.