Girls, NA, TA Kasyanov. 1907 Valentin Serov (1865-1911)

Here we observe a drawing depicting two young girls seated close together. The composition is structured around their shared presence and proximity, with both figures occupying nearly the entire frame. They are positioned in what appears to be an interior setting, suggested by the table between them and the implied background.
The artist has rendered the scene using charcoal or graphite on paper, evident from the tonal range achieved through varying degrees of pressure and shading. The drawing exhibits a degree of realism, particularly in the rendering of facial features and clothing details. However, there is also an expressive quality to the lines, suggesting a focus on capturing not just likeness but also character and mood.
The girls are dressed in similar attire – light-colored dresses with ruffled sleeves and large bows adorning their hair. This uniformity reinforces their connection and perhaps implies a familial relationship or shared status. The girl on the left holds her hands clasped in her lap, her gaze directed forward with an air of quiet composure. In contrast, the girl to the right rests her head on her hand, her expression more contemplative or even slightly melancholic. This subtle difference in posture and demeanor introduces a sense of individual personality within their shared context.
A book lies open on the table between them, hinting at education or intellectual pursuits. The presence of this object adds another layer to the narrative – it suggests that these girls are being prepared for a certain role in society, one that values learning and refinement.
The drawing’s monochromatic palette contributes to its somber tone. The lack of color directs attention towards the interplay of light and shadow, emphasizing the textures of their clothing and the contours of their faces. This stylistic choice also lends an air of timelessness to the work, transcending specific historical or cultural contexts.
Subtly, there is a sense of restraint in the drawing’s execution. The artist avoids overt sentimentality, instead opting for a more nuanced portrayal of childhood innocence and quiet introspection. It suggests a moment captured not as a celebration of youthful exuberance but rather as an observation of the complexities inherent within that stage of life.