Portrait EK Deryagin Vasily Ivanovich Surikov (1848-1916)

The painting presents a three-quarter view of a woman, positioned slightly off-center against a dark, indistinct background. She is dressed in contemporary attire – a tailored jacket with a high collar, a wide-brimmed hat adorned with what appears to be straw and ribbon detailing, and gloves. A single rose is pinned at the lapel of her jacket. The palette is dominated by muted tones; deep blues and blacks for the clothing contrast subtly with the lighter hues of the hat and the flesh tones of her face.
The artist’s brushwork is loose and impressionistic, particularly evident in the background foliage which appears as a blurred mass of greens and dark shadows. This technique softens the edges of the figure and contributes to an overall sense of atmospheric depth. The light source seems to originate from the left, illuminating one side of her face and hat while leaving the other in shadow.
Her expression is complex; she gazes directly at the viewer with a look that blends melancholy and quiet determination. Theres a certain restraint in her posture – her hands are clasped together, suggesting an inward focus or perhaps a deliberate attempt to maintain composure. The rose pinned to her jacket introduces a symbolic element, potentially representing beauty, love, or even fragility.
The dark background serves to isolate the figure and emphasize her presence. It creates a sense of privacy and introspection, inviting speculation about her inner world. The overall effect is one of restrained elegance and subtle emotional depth – a portrait that hints at a narrative beyond what is immediately visible.