By the light of science. (And M. Rundaltsov) Sergey Sergeyevich Solomko (1867-1928)

The drawing presents a portrait of a woman rendered in a loose, sketch-like style using ink and wash. The figure is positioned against a largely blank, aged paper background, which contributes to a sense of intimacy and immediacy. Here we see the subject depicted from the upper torso upwards; her gaze is directed slightly off-center, suggesting introspection or perhaps an awareness beyond the viewers presence.
The artist employed a limited tonal range, primarily relying on shades of brown and grey to define form and create subtle shading. The woman’s hair is elaborately styled, pulled back from her face and arranged in what appears to be a complex updo adorned with floral elements. This hairstyle suggests a certain social standing or adherence to fashionable conventions of the period.
The treatment of the shoulders and upper arms is particularly noteworthy; they are rendered with quick, gestural strokes that convey texture and volume without excessive detail. The artist’s use of hatching and cross-hatching creates a sense of depth and movement in these areas. A small, almost whimsical flourish appears near the figures lower left shoulder, possibly intended as an ornamental detail or a signature mark.
The Cyrillic inscription positioned above the portrait provides contextual information, hinting at a thematic connection to science or intellectual pursuits (By the light of science). This pairing of a refined female subject with a scientific reference introduces intriguing subtexts. It could suggest a commentary on the intersection of intellect and femininity, perhaps exploring the role of women in the advancement of knowledge during a period when such roles were often restricted. Alternatively, it might represent an allegorical figure embodying reason or enlightenment.
The overall impression is one of understated elegance combined with a sense of quiet contemplation. The drawing’s simplicity and lack of elaborate background focus attention entirely on the subjects presence and the implied narrative suggested by the accompanying inscription.