Costume Designs 1, ЧС Sergey Sergeyevich Solomko (1867-1928)

The drawing presents a full-length depiction of a female figure in elaborate costume. The subject stands in profile, facing left, with her arms raised slightly forward as if poised for movement or performance. Her posture suggests grace and readiness.
The costume itself is the focal point. A voluminous red tutu dominates the lower portion, its layers creating a sense of lightness and theatricality. Above this, a fitted bodice of what appears to be white fabric is adorned with intricate red detailing along the sleeves and neckline. The sleeves themselves are wide and bell-shaped, contributing to the overall impression of opulent display. A headdress, composed of a white veil or turban-like structure embellished with decorative elements, frames her face. Her facial features are rendered in a stylized manner, conveying an expression that is both serene and engaging. White tights extend from the bodice to just below the knees, culminating in pale shoes.
The drawing’s execution utilizes watercolor techniques on what appears to be lightly toned paper. The artist employs washes of color to suggest volume and texture, particularly evident in the rendering of the tutus layers. Lines are used to define form and detail, though a certain looseness prevails, indicative of a preliminary design sketch rather than a finished illustration.
Subtly, the drawing conveys notions of cultural identity or historical representation. The costume’s style evokes associations with traditional folk attire, possibly from Eastern Europe or the Mediterranean region. This suggests that the costume was intended to represent a specific character or narrative rooted in a particular cultural context. The overall effect is one of theatrical spectacle and carefully constructed visual symbolism.
The presence of handwritten notations along the bottom edge – likely production notes or identification marks – further contextualize the drawing as part of a larger design process, emphasizing its function within a performance setting.