Sketches of Colombina’s costume for Anna Pavlova Konstantin Andreevich Somov (1869-1939)

The drawing presents a figure in motion, seemingly captured mid-gesture. The central subject is rendered with a rapid, almost frantic line quality, suggesting immediacy and a focus on capturing movement rather than precise detail. Here we see a woman in what appears to be a theatrical costume; the voluminous skirt, layered construction, and decorative headpiece indicate a performance context.
The artist’s approach prioritizes conveying dynamism over meticulous representation. The lines are loose and exploratory, with overlapping strokes that create a sense of energy and fluidity. The figures posture – one arm raised, the other extended – implies an expressive gesture, possibly a flourish or a playful pose. The legs are depicted in a slightly bent position, further reinforcing the impression of movement.
Around the central figure, smaller sketches populate the composition. These appear to be variations on costume elements – perhaps different headwear designs or skirt configurations. They offer insight into the creative process, revealing how the artist experimented with various options before settling on a final design. The inclusion of these supplementary studies suggests that this is not a finished work but rather a preliminary exploration for a larger project.
The overall effect is one of spontaneity and improvisation. The drawing feels less like a formal portrait and more like a record of a fleeting moment in the creative process – a glimpse into the development of a theatrical costume. The lack of shading or tonal variation directs attention to the lines themselves, emphasizing their role in defining form and conveying movement. This technique contributes to a sense of lightness and airiness, appropriate for a performance context.