Trembling girl. Study for the painting Pouring (1914) Nikolay Feshin (1881-1955)

The composition presents a young girl in what appears to be a moment of unrestrained emotion. She stands barefoot, her body angled slightly towards the viewer, yet her gaze is directed elsewhere, suggesting a preoccupation beyond immediate observation. The dress she wears, a combination of pale pink and reddish-brown hues, billows around her as if caught in a sudden gust of wind or perhaps propelled by an internal movement.
The artist’s application of paint contributes significantly to the overall effect. Thick impasto strokes build texture across the canvas, particularly evident in the rendering of the girls hair and dress. This technique lends a sense of immediacy and dynamism to the scene; it is not a static portrayal but rather a captured instant. The background dissolves into an indistinct mass of greens, yellows, and whites, further emphasizing the figure as the focal point.
The girl’s expression is complex. Her mouth is open in what could be interpreted as laughter or a cry – the ambiguity invites multiple readings. Theres a vulnerability present in her posture and facial features, juxtaposed with an almost defiant energy conveyed by the swirling fabric of her dress. The lack of detail in her face allows for projection; she becomes a vessel for the viewer’s own emotions and interpretations.
Subtly, there is a sense of displacement or disorientation. Her bare feet suggest a loss of formality or perhaps a hasty departure from some established setting. The blurred background contributes to this feeling of instability. Its possible to read the work as an exploration of childhood trauma or overwhelming emotion – a moment where composure breaks down and raw feeling takes over. The painting’s power resides in its ability to evoke these complex, often unspoken, experiences through a seemingly simple depiction of a young girl.