Polonaise. 1934 Konstantin Alekseevich Korovin (1861-1939)

The drawing presents two figures in elaborate costumes against a plain, light-beige background. The composition is straightforward; both characters are positioned facing forward, occupying nearly the entire frame. A sense of formality pervades the scene, reinforced by their direct gaze and upright posture.
On the left stands a woman adorned in a voluminous gown. The dress features a fitted bodice with puffed sleeves and a wide skirt that flares dramatically. Decorative motifs – floral patterns rendered in muted blues and greens – are scattered across the fabric. Her hair is styled in an elaborate updo, partially concealed by a feathered headpiece. She holds her hands before her in a gesture suggestive of presentation or greeting.
To her right stands a man dressed in a richly detailed costume. He wears a jacket with prominent lapels and decorative stitching, paired with trousers tucked into pointed shoes. A tall, plumed hat sits atop his head, adding to the overall impression of grandeur. His stance is confident, with one hand raised in what appears to be a gesture of acknowledgement or perhaps even a slight bow.
The artist’s technique emphasizes line work and tonal shading. The figures are outlined with clear, precise strokes, while subtle variations in tone suggest volume and texture. Theres an economy of color; the palette is restrained, primarily consisting of browns, creams, blues, greens, and touches of red. This limited range contributes to a sense of elegance and refinement.
The drawing’s subtexts likely relate to theatrical performance or ceremonial display. The costumes themselves are indicative of a specific cultural context – the intricate details suggest historical influences, possibly from Eastern European traditions. The figures formal poses and gestures imply a ritualistic or staged event, perhaps a dance or courtly procession. The overall effect is one of stylized elegance and carefully constructed spectacle. The inscription at the bottom right identifies the creator and date, anchoring the work within a specific artistic context.