The peasant woman with a baby Zinaida Serebryakova (1884-1967)

Here we observe a drawing depicting a seated female figure cradling what appears to be an infant. The composition is straightforward; the woman occupies most of the frame, positioned slightly off-center. She sits in a chair or on a simple stool, indicated by the rudimentary lines forming its structure. Her attire suggests rural origins: a headscarf covers her hair, and she wears a layered garment – a dark skirt paired with a lighter blouse – typical of peasant dress.
The artist’s use of charcoal lends a sense of immediacy and intimacy to the work. The strokes are loose and expressive, capturing not precise detail but rather an impression of form and texture. Light falls predominantly from the left, creating subtle shading that defines the contours of her face and clothing. Her gaze is directed slightly upward and to the side, suggesting a moment of quiet contemplation or perhaps a gentle interaction with the child she holds.
The infant is swaddled in fabric, its features indistinct, emphasizing the protective embrace of the mother. The drawing’s monochromatic palette contributes to a feeling of austerity and simplicity, reinforcing the subjects humble circumstances. The background is largely undefined, further focusing attention on the central figures.
Subtly, the work conveys themes of motherhood, domesticity, and rural life. It avoids sentimentality; instead, it presents a portrait of quiet dignity and resilience. The woman’s posture suggests both weariness and tenderness, hinting at the burdens and joys inherent in her role as caregiver. The absence of elaborate detail or ornamentation underscores the essential nature of human connection and the enduring strength found within everyday existence. The date inscribed at the bottom right – 1916 – provides a historical context that might suggest an interest in portraying the lives of ordinary people during times of social upheaval, though this remains speculative without further information about the artist’s intentions.