Portrait of Ekaterina Nikolaevna Tishinina as a child Ivan Kozmich Berezin (1721-1784)

The composition presents a young girl in formal attire, positioned centrally within the frame. She stands before a backdrop of muted browns and greens, suggesting an interior space with indistinct architectural elements – a column on the left and what appears to be a partially obscured piece of furniture on the right. The lighting is soft and diffused, illuminating her face and dress without harsh contrasts.
The girl’s expression is notable for its solemnity; she gazes directly forward with a serious, almost detached demeanor. Her posture is upright and composed, indicative of the societal expectations placed upon children from privileged backgrounds during this period. She holds a small, yellow object in her hands – possibly a toy or a symbolic representation of innocence.
The dress itself commands attention. It’s rendered in a vibrant red hue, a color often associated with status and importance. The elaborate design features puffed sleeves, a high ruffled collar adorned with floral embellishments, and an intricately patterned skirt edged with delicate lace. The shoes, visible beneath the hem of the dress, are also embellished, further emphasizing her elevated social standing. A small cluster of flowers is placed in her carefully styled hair, adding a touch of youthful charm to the otherwise formal presentation.
The painting’s subtexts revolve around themes of childhood innocence, societal expectations, and familial status. The girls serious expression might be interpreted as an indication of early exposure to responsibility or a deliberate attempt by the artist to convey maturity beyond her years. The opulent dress serves not only as a visual marker of wealth but also as a symbol of belonging within a specific social hierarchy. The overall effect is one of restrained elegance and carefully constructed presentation, suggesting that this portrait was intended to document not just the child’s likeness, but also her place within a complex web of familial and societal relationships.