Confused girl. Et. to K. The Janitor, who gives a flat mistress. Fig. pencil. 1864 TG Vasily Perov (1833-1882)

The drawing presents a young woman in what appears to be a traditional Russian garment. She stands in profile, her body angled slightly towards the viewer, creating a sense of immediacy despite the formal pose. The artist employed pencil with considerable skill, utilizing varying degrees of pressure and shading to render texture and volume.
Her attire is notable: a heavy, fur-lined coat or cloak dominates the composition, obscuring much of her form. A headscarf, also lined with fur, covers her hair and frames her face. The clothing suggests a degree of social standing, though the overall impression isnt one of opulent wealth; rather, it conveys practicality and protection from harsh weather conditions.
The woman’s expression is complex. Her brow is furrowed, and her mouth slightly downturned, conveying an air of uncertainty or perhaps melancholy. The eyes, rendered with subtle shading, seem to gaze inward, suggesting a state of introspection or distress. This emotional ambiguity contributes significantly to the drawings impact.
The background is minimal, consisting primarily of indistinct lines that hint at an exterior setting – possibly a fence or barrier. This sparseness directs attention entirely towards the figure and her internal state. The limited tonal range, achieved through pencil shading alone, creates a muted atmosphere, reinforcing the feeling of quiet contemplation.
Subtextually, the drawing seems to explore themes of vulnerability and social circumstance. The heavy clothing could symbolize burdens – emotional or societal – that weigh upon the woman. Her posture and expression suggest a sense of displacement or unease within her environment. The title’s reference to a “janitor” and a flat mistress introduces an element of class disparity, hinting at a narrative beyond what is directly visible in the image; it implies a power dynamic that may be contributing to the womans distress. Ultimately, the drawing invites speculation about her story and the circumstances surrounding her emotional state.