Plate Egyptian queen Sergey Sergeyevich Solomko (1867-1928)

The artwork presents a profile portrait of a woman rendered on a circular plate. The subject is depicted in a stylized manner, evoking associations with ancient Egyptian iconography while simultaneously possessing features indicative of a later period. Her head is turned towards the right, her gaze directed forward, conveying an impression of dignified composure.
Here we see a dark, wavy hairstyle that frames her face, partially obscured by a headband adorned with what appears to be red and white detailing. A single lotus flower, rendered in delicate brushstrokes, emerges from the hair near the forehead, a motif traditionally linked to Egyptian royalty and rebirth. The artist has employed subtle shading to define the contours of her face, emphasizing a long, slender nose and full lips. A simple necklace is visible at her throat, adding a touch of understated elegance.
The limited color palette – primarily shades of gray, brown, white, and touches of red – contributes to an overall sense of restraint and formality. The background is left largely unadorned, allowing the focus to remain squarely on the subject’s face and headdress. A signature or inscription appears in a script that does not resemble hieroglyphs, located near the lower right corner.
The choice of a plate as the canvas introduces an element of domesticity and accessibility. It suggests that this image was intended for display rather than solely for artistic appreciation, perhaps as part of a decorative set. The combination of Egyptian motifs with a more contemporary rendering style hints at a fascination with ancient cultures prevalent in certain periods, possibly reflecting a desire to connect with perceived notions of grandeur and sophistication. The work’s subtext likely involves an exploration of cultural appropriation or the romanticized interpretation of historical imagery within a new context.