reading. 1890 Fig. Gelos Sergey Sergeyevich Solomko (1867-1928)

The drawing presents a young woman engaged in the act of writing. She is seated at a table positioned near a window, which dominates the upper portion of the composition. The light filtering through this window illuminates her face and the immediate surroundings, creating a contrast with the darker areas of the room.
Here we see the subject dressed in elaborate attire; the clothing appears to be richly ornamented, suggesting a position of some social standing or perhaps an adherence to traditional customs. Her hair is styled elaborately, further reinforcing this impression of status. The details of her garments and hairstyle are rendered with considerable care, indicating their importance within the narrative being conveyed.
The table itself holds several objects: a large open book, a writing implement (likely a quill), and a candlestick holding two lit candles. A sheet of paper lies on the table in front of her, presumably containing what she has written or is currently composing. The presence of candlelight suggests an atmosphere of quiet contemplation and perhaps even secrecy.
The window’s design is noteworthy; its geometric pattern creates a visual counterpoint to the organic forms of the figure and foliage depicted elsewhere. It also introduces a sense of enclosure, suggesting that the womans world is both defined by and separate from what lies beyond.
Subtly, the drawing seems to explore themes of literacy, tradition, and perhaps even female agency within a specific cultural context. The act of writing itself can be interpreted as a symbol of intellectual pursuit or creative expression. The elaborate dress might signify adherence to established social norms, while her focused gaze suggests an individual engaged in a private endeavor. There is a sense of quiet intensity about the scene; it hints at a narrative that extends beyond what is immediately visible.