Family Portrait. Before leaving E. E. Lansere to the Kavkaz Zinaida Serebryakova (1884-1967)

The drawing presents a group portrait of what appears to be a family gathered on a sofa. The composition is dominated by a sense of quiet contemplation and impending departure. Five figures are arranged along a large, cushioned seat; their postures and gazes suggest a mixture of melancholy and resignation.
The man seated at the left edge of the frame is positioned slightly apart from the others, his body angled away, suggesting a degree of detachment or perhaps preoccupation with thoughts unrelated to the immediate group. He holds a book in his lap, but does not appear to be reading it; his gaze is directed downwards, hinting at introspection. Next to him sits a man who leans forward, seemingly engaged in conversation or study. His posture conveys attentiveness and seriousness.
Two women occupy the central portion of the sofa. One appears to be knitting or performing some similar domestic task, her focus entirely absorbed in her hands. The other woman looks directly ahead with an expression that is difficult to decipher – it could be interpreted as sadness, anxiety, or a quiet acceptance of circumstance. A young man sits at the far right; his gaze is directed away from the group, suggesting a sense of distance or perhaps anticipation for what lies beyond their current setting.
A small table placed in front of the sofa holds a bowl of fruit and a cup, adding a touch of domesticity to the scene. The presence of these everyday objects underscores the normalcy of the moment before it is disrupted by an unknown event – the context implies a departure.
The artist’s use of line work contributes significantly to the overall mood. Loose, sketchy lines create a sense of immediacy and informality, while also conveying a certain fragility. The lack of detailed shading emphasizes the figures emotional states rather than their physical appearances. The handwritten inscription at the bottom of the drawing provides further context, hinting at a specific event or location associated with the family’s departure.
Subtly, the arrangement suggests a familial unit facing an uncertain future. The varying postures and expressions of each individual reveal a spectrum of emotional responses to this impending change – from quiet resignation to detached contemplation. The overall impression is one of poignant farewell, capturing a fleeting moment of intimacy before separation.