Портрет СА Урусовой 1827 Petr Sokolov (1791-1848)

The watercolor drawing presents a young woman in a three-quarter pose, set against an oval background that frames her figure. Her gaze is directed towards the viewer, conveying a sense of quiet confidence and composure. The artist has rendered her with meticulous attention to detail, particularly evident in the depiction of her elaborate hairstyle. Dark brown curls are arranged into a complex updo, accented by delicate highlights suggesting volume and texture.
The woman’s attire contributes significantly to the overall impression. She is draped in a white gown with a high ruffled collar, typical of early nineteenth-century fashion. The fabric appears lightweight and translucent, allowing subtle gradations of color to define its folds and contours. A thin belt cinches her waist, adding definition to her figure. Small, dangling earrings adorn her ears, providing a touch of understated elegance.
The artist’s use of watercolor allows for a delicate rendering of light and shadow. The soft illumination emphasizes the smoothness of her skin and highlights the subtle curves of her face. A cool palette dominates the work, with muted tones of white, grey, and pale blue creating an atmosphere of refinement and restraint.
Beyond the surface representation, the drawing suggests a portrait intended to convey social standing and personal character. The woman’s posture and expression project an air of dignity and self-assurance, indicative of her position within a privileged class. The meticulous attention paid to detail in her clothing and hairstyle reinforces this impression of wealth and status.
The overall effect is one of restrained beauty and quiet elegance, characteristic of portraiture from the early nineteenth century. The artist has captured not only the woman’s physical likeness but also an essence of her personality, presenting a carefully constructed image designed to convey respectability and refinement.