Moroccan in Green Zinaida Serebryakova (1884-1967)

The painting Moroccan in Green is a pastel portrait of a man with dark skin and a yellow turban. He is leaning with his right arm on his hand, his gaze lowered in a pensive or possibly melancholic expression. He wears a garment that appears to be a djellaba, predominantly in shades of green and blue, with visible stitching or embroidery details. The background is rendered loosely in earthy tones of brown and beige, providing a stark contrast to the figure and suggesting an indoor setting, perhaps a studio.
The portrait, created in 1132 (likely a typo and intended to be 1932, as indicated by the signature and typical artistic eras), captures a moment of quiet introspection. The artists use of pastels creates a soft, almost hazy quality, while the bold strokes convey a sense of immediacy. The subtext could speak to the representation of individuals from different cultures during the period, focusing on dignity and individual emotion rather than exoticism. The title itself, Moroccan in Green, is straightforward, but the mood of the subject, leaning into weariness or deep thought, invites interpretations of his inner world, perhaps hinting at themes of displacement, contemplation of life, or simply a peaceful moment of rest. The signature at the bottom left, Z. Susaiacza, along with Marrakech 1932, grounds the artwork in a specific time and place, adding a layer of historical context.