Tmutarakan. Weaver and cook. 1913 Konstantin Alekseevich Korovin (1861-1939)

The drawing presents two female figures in profile, positioned closely together and dominating the composition. They appear to be dressed in elaborate folk costumes, characterized by vibrant colors – reds, blues, greens, and yellows – and intricate patterns that suggest textiles or embroidery. Each woman wears a distinctive headdress; one is adorned with green foliage, while the other features a more complex structure incorporating red and blue elements. Their faces are stylized, with exaggerated features and heavy makeup emphasizing their eyes.
The background is filled with dense, cursive script written in what appears to be Russian. This text obscures any sense of depth or spatial context, flattening the image and drawing attention to the figures themselves. The writing seems almost like a decorative element rather than conveying specific information. At the bottom of the composition, handwritten labels identify the subjects as weaver and cook, respectively.
The overall effect is one of theatricality and caricature. The exaggerated costumes and stylized faces suggest a deliberate distancing from realism, hinting at a playful or satirical commentary on traditional roles and identities. The dense script in the background could be interpreted as representing the weight of tradition, language, or cultural heritage – a backdrop against which these women are presented.
The positioning of the figures, close together yet facing different directions, creates a sense of dynamic tension. It is unclear whether they are interacting or simply sharing space, adding to the ambiguity of their relationship and the overall meaning of the work. The drawing’s informal style – the loose lines, the lack of shading – suggests it might be a preparatory sketch or a quick study rather than a finished piece, further contributing to its sense of immediacy and spontaneity.