Self-portrait Zinaida Serebryakova (1884-1967)

This is a watercolor painting, likely a self-portrait from 1907, as indicated by the signature at the bottom. The central figure is a woman seen from behind, seated in a chair with a reddish-brown frame. She is wearing a dark, possibly navy blue, long-sleeved blouse with a dark skirt and a brown belt cinching her waist. A pale pink fabric, perhaps an apron or shawl, drapes over her lap and extends down her side.
The woman is looking into a mirror, which is positioned to her right in the painting. In the reflection, we see her face, which is depicted with expressive brushstrokes. Her head is slightly bowed, and she appears to be in a contemplative or perhaps critical state, with one hand near her chin and her gaze fixed on her own reflection. The reflection in the mirror is rendered with looser, more abstract strokes, emphasizing emotion over precise detail. Behind her, a blurry shape suggests another person or object, adding a sense of depth and environment.
The overall mood of the painting is intimate and introspective. The muted color palette, with its dominant blues, browns, and the soft pink, contributes to a sense of quietude. The loose, gestural brushwork suggests a rapid execution, capturing a fleeting moment and the artists immediate impression. The subtext might involve themes of self-examination, the act of creation (as she is likely observing herself to paint), or perhaps a moment of private reflection on her identity and appearance. The title Self-portrait implies a deliberate act of self-representation, inviting the viewer to engage with the artists internal world.