Servant. 1928 Konstantin Alekseevich Korovin (1861-1939)

The drawing presents a figure in what appears to be theatrical costume, rendered with a deliberate simplicity and economy of line. The subject stands centrally within the composition, facing forward with hands raised in a gesture that suggests either supplication or perhaps a slightly manic offering. A faint smile plays on their lips, adding an element of ambiguity to the expression.
The color palette is restrained: muted reds, blues, and yellows are applied against a warm, aged background which contributes to a sense of historical distance or theatrical tradition. The costume itself is elaborate, featuring layered fabrics with geometric patterns – triangles and diamonds predominantly – suggesting folk motifs or stylized regional dress. A wide belt emphasizes the waistline, while tall, pointed boots complete the ensemble.
The figure’s posture conveys a certain awkwardness; the stance isnt entirely stable, hinting at an underlying vulnerability or perhaps a deliberate theatrical exaggeration. The head is tilted slightly, further contributing to this sense of imbalance and adding a touch of eccentricity.
Above the figure, handwritten annotations in what appears to be Cyrillic script identify the subject as Snegourotchka and Un Serviteur. This dual labeling immediately introduces a layer of complexity; it suggests a connection between Slavic folklore (Snegourotchka being the Snow Maiden) and a theatrical role – a servant. The juxtaposition implies a potential commentary on identity, performance, and the blurring of cultural boundaries.
The overall effect is one of studied artifice. It’s not merely a depiction of clothing but an exploration of character through costume. The drawing seems to be less concerned with realistic representation than with conveying a specific mood or embodying a symbolic role – that of a figure caught between tradition and theatrical presentation, innocence and servitude. The aged paper and the handwritten notes further reinforce this sense of something unearthed from a historical archive, a relic of a performance now lost to time.