Two costumes Sergey Sergeyevich Solomko (1867-1928)

The drawing presents two figures in elaborate costume, rendered with a delicate line and restrained palette. The composition is vertically oriented, emphasizing the height and flow of the garments. On the left stands a figure draped in flowing purple fabric, accented by gold detailing at the hem and around the shoulders. A darker, possibly black, bodice reveals a portion of the upper torso. The pose suggests movement; the body is turned slightly away from the viewer, with one arm raised as if gesturing or balancing.
To the right, another figure is depicted seated, holding aloft what appears to be a ceremonial object – perhaps a headdress or a cluster of flowers – supported by an extended arm. This individual’s costume features a lighter, almost translucent fabric draped over darker, patterned leggings and boots. The posture conveys a sense of formality and perhaps reverence.
The artist has employed a simplified approach to rendering the figures, prioritizing the depiction of the costumes textures and forms over detailed facial expressions or anatomical accuracy. The background is plain, allowing the focus to remain entirely on the garments and their presentation. Numbers are inscribed near each figure, suggesting this may be a study for theatrical design or costume illustration.
Subtleties within the drawing hint at potential narrative layers. The contrasting colors and poses of the two figures suggest a relationship – perhaps that of performer and attendant, or perhaps representing opposing forces within a larger story. The elaborate nature of the costumes implies a setting of ritual or spectacle, evoking themes of tradition, ceremony, and possibly even exoticism. The overall effect is one of quiet elegance and restrained theatricality.