Roza; Sureznaia minetka; Malenkaia mat; Milaia kompanenochka Russian folk splints

The composition presents four individual portraits arranged in a grid format, each framed within an ornate purple border. The overall aesthetic suggests a series of lithographs or engravings intended for popular consumption. A muted color palette dominates, primarily utilizing shades of brown, grey, and the aforementioned purple, lending a somewhat melancholic tone to the presentation.
The upper left portrait depicts a woman adorned with what appears to be a crown of laurel leaves. She is seated, her posture suggesting contemplation or perhaps sorrow. Her gaze is directed downwards, and one hand rests pensively on her chin. The gesture conveys introspection and a sense of quiet suffering.
Adjacent to this, the second portrait shows a young woman holding a small kitten close to her chest. Her expression is somber, almost mournful, contrasting with the perceived innocence of the animal she cradles. This juxtaposition might imply a desire for comfort or protection in the face of hardship.
The lower left image portrays another young woman, this time actively engaged with a feline companion. She appears to be gently stroking the cat, her expression conveying tenderness and affection. The interaction suggests a nurturing quality and an attempt at solace through companionship.
Finally, the fourth portrait mirrors the posture and composition of the first, featuring a young woman looking downwards with a similar air of melancholy. A small animal – likely a dog – is nestled near her shoulder, offering a sense of loyalty and perhaps a symbolic representation of unwavering support.
The recurring theme across all four portraits is one of quiet sadness and introspection. The presence of animals in three out of the four images suggests they serve as sources of comfort or emotional anchors for these women. The ornate framing and formal poses indicate that these are not casual depictions, but rather carefully constructed representations intended to evoke specific emotions and perhaps convey a narrative about female experience within a particular social context. The titles accompanying each portrait – Roza, Sureznaia minetka, Malenkaia mat, and Milaia kompanenochka – further reinforce this sense of personalized narratives, hinting at individual stories behind each depicted figure.