In the dressing room V. K. Ivanova portrait dressed as a Spanish Zinaida Serebryakova (1884-1967)

The painting depicts a woman in a dressing room, in profile, holding a mirror and applying makeup to her eye. She is dressed in an elaborate, ruffled, and ornate red and white costume, suggesting a theatrical or celebratory context, possibly Spanish in style given the title. Her hair is dark and styled in a fashion typical of the early 20th century, adorned with a decorative comb and a red floral embellishment.
The subtexts of the painting can be interpreted in several ways. Firstly, it captures a moment of personal preparation and self-adornment, highlighting the ritualistic aspect of getting ready for a performance or an event. The womans focused expression as she applies makeup suggests concentration and perhaps a degree of vanity or concern for her appearance.
Secondly, the Spanish costume and the title hint at an element of role-playing or embodying a persona. The woman might be an actress or a dancer preparing to step into a character, blurring the lines between her private self and her public presentation. The theatricality of her attire and the act of applying makeup amplifies this sense of performance.
Finally, the style of the painting, with its visible charcoal outlines and pastel colors, lends a sense of immediacy and perhaps a touch of melancholy or introspection to the scene. The artist seems to be capturing not just the visual likeness but also the inner world and the emotional state of the subject, offering a glimpse into the private moments before a public display. The soft lighting and muted background further emphasize the intimacy of the scene, contrasting with the vibrant costume.