Daughter of the artist. 1923 Kuzma Sergeevich Petrov-Vodkin (1878-1939)

The work presents a close-up portrait of a young child, likely an infant or toddler. The subject is positioned centrally within the frame and confronts the viewer directly with a solemn expression. Their gaze appears fixed and unwavering, contributing to a sense of quiet intensity.
The artist employed a loose, expressive brushstroke throughout the composition. This technique is particularly evident in the rendering of the child’s hair, which appears as a mass of short, textured strokes in varying shades of brown and gold. The skin tones are similarly handled with visible brushwork, creating a sense of immediacy and vitality. A muted palette dominates; earthy browns and tans for the face and hair contrast against a cool, blue-grey background that is applied with broad, sweeping gestures. This backdrop lacks detail, serving to isolate the child and focus attention on their features.
The clothing worn by the subject – a simple white garment with a high collar – is rendered in a similarly simplified manner. The lack of ornamentation or elaborate detailing reinforces the emphasis on the child’s inherent presence rather than any external markers of identity or status.
Subtleties within the portrait suggest deeper layers of meaning. The childs expression, while not overtly distressed, conveys a certain seriousness and perhaps even a hint of melancholy. This could be interpreted as an exploration of vulnerability, innocence, or the weight of existence viewed through the eyes of a young being. The blurred background might symbolize the uncertain future that lies ahead for this individual. Furthermore, the artist’s choice to depict the child in such close proximity invites contemplation on themes of familial connection and the passage of time. The overall effect is one of quiet introspection, prompting viewers to consider the complexities of human experience through the lens of childhood.