Portrait of Countess Sofya Alexandrovna Golenischeva – Kutozova 1829 BA, um. K. RM Orest Adamovich Kiprensky (1782-1836)

The drawing presents a woman in a three-quarter pose, her gaze directed slightly off-center with a contemplative expression. The artist has rendered her features with considerable detail, emphasizing the delicate structure of her face – high cheekbones, a gently sloping nose, and full lips. Her complexion appears pale, lending an air of refinement and perhaps fragility.
The woman’s hair is styled in an elaborate updo, characteristic of the period, which draws attention to the shape of her head and neck. A portion of her shoulder is visible beneath a draped garment, suggesting a degree of modesty while still revealing the contours of her form. She holds a fan partially obscuring part of her torso; its intricate pattern provides a textural contrast against the smoother surfaces of her skin and clothing.
The background is sparsely rendered, consisting primarily of foliage that fades into indistinctness on the right side of the composition. This lack of detail serves to focus attention entirely upon the subject. The artist employed hatching and cross-hatching techniques to create tonal variations, giving depth and volume to the figure. The use of light and shadow suggests a soft, diffused illumination source.
Beyond the straightforward depiction of appearance, the drawing conveys an impression of quiet introspection. Her gaze is not overtly inviting; rather, it hints at inner thoughts or emotions that remain unexpressed. The fan, often associated with flirtation and social interaction in this era, seems less a tool for engagement and more a prop held almost absently. This contributes to a sense of melancholy or restrained sentimentality. The overall effect is one of dignified reserve, suggesting a woman of considerable status and perhaps burdened by unspoken concerns.