Hay girl. 1911 Konstantin Alekseevich Korovin (1861-1939)

The drawing presents a group of five figures arranged in a formal procession. They appear to be young women or girls, each depicted in elaborate traditional dress. The artist has rendered them in a somewhat stylized manner, prioritizing the representation of costume details over strict anatomical accuracy.
Each figure wears a long, flowing garment with a distinctive color palette dominated by reds, greens, and whites. Intricate patterns adorn the sleeves and skirts, suggesting regional or familial distinctions within their community. Headwear is also significant; each girl sports an ornate headdress featuring ribbons, flowers, and what appear to be decorative tassels. The poses are relatively static, with most of the figures standing straight and looking forward, contributing to a sense of ceremonial formality.
The artist’s use of color is notable. While the hues are vibrant, they also possess a certain flatness, suggesting an emphasis on pattern and design rather than realistic rendering of light and shadow. The brushstrokes appear quick and economical, indicative of a preparatory study or sketch intended to capture the essence of the costumes.
Beneath the figures, handwritten text is visible in Cyrillic script. This inscription likely provides contextual information about the depicted individuals or their attire, potentially identifying their origin or the occasion for which these garments were worn. The presence of this textual element suggests that the drawing served a documentary purpose, perhaps intended to record and preserve elements of local folk culture.
The overall impression is one of careful observation and respectful representation. Here we see an attempt to document a specific cultural tradition through the meticulous depiction of traditional dress, hinting at a broader interest in preserving regional identity and heritage.