Portrait of Nadezhda Ivanovna Zabela-Vrubel Mikhail Vrubel (1856-1910)

Description of Mikhail Vrubel’s painting "Portrait of Zabel Vrubel

The portrait from life was painted in 1898. Oil paints were used in painting the masterpiece. The wife is dressed in a sumptuous dress decorated with a yellow wide sash, with a chintz hat on her head. In the hands of Nadezhda Ivanovna holds a lorgnette.

We can confidently assert that before us is the most harmonious work of the greatest Russian artist. Vrubel used light light shades, in order to convey the state of mind of his wife.

When writing the portrait, the artist turned to the pictorial technique of depicting objects in natural light and in natural conditions. If we look closely at the woman’s clothes, we will notice that Vrubel remained faithful to the "crystal" form, which is distinguished by transparency, airiness and weightlessness. The entire image of Zabela-Vrubel is numerous clusters of crystals. Lilac and light green shades remind of violets and pansies, drowning in lush greenery, the heroine is transfixed by charm and tranquility.

Many photographic images of Vrubel’s wife should be available to this day. In one photograph Zabela performs the role of The Snow Maiden, her hair is loose, and facial expression exactly like that depicted in the portrait. Apparently, it was this picture which inspired the husband of the actress.

If we compare the photos of Nadezhda Ivanovna with Vrubel’s portraits, we note that the painter hyperbolized the shortcomings of his companion. Zabela-Vrubel’s face was less elongated in life. The artist made the chin heavier, changed the cut of the eyes, and transformed other facial features. In the pictures the singer appears young, sweet and simple, but in her husband’s paintings she appears mysterious and even demonic.