Portrait of Olya Rybakova Alexander Golovin (1863-1930)

The pastel drawing presents a young girl in close-up, her gaze directed straightforwardly at the viewer. Her hair, a rich auburn hue, is cropped short and neatly styled, framing a face marked by a certain solemnity. The artist has rendered the skin tones with subtle gradations, capturing a delicate blush on her cheeks and a slight pallor around her mouth.
The girl’s eyes are striking; their color appears to be an unusual shade of blue-green, and they possess an intensity that draws immediate attention. There is a vulnerability in this directness, yet also a quiet strength. The artist has employed soft lines and blended colors to create a sense of immediacy and intimacy.
She wears a white blouse with intricate lace detailing at the collar, which contributes to the overall impression of understated elegance. In her hands, she holds what appears to be a fan made of dark feathers, its surface reflecting light in a way that suggests texture and depth. The fan is positioned slightly forward, partially obscuring her lower body and drawing focus to her face and upper torso.
The background is indistinct, rendered in muted tones that serve to isolate the figure and emphasize her presence. This lack of contextual detail contributes to a sense of timelessness; the girl could exist outside of any specific historical period or social setting.
Subtly, theres an air of melancholy conveyed through the child’s expression. It isnt overt sadness, but rather a quiet introspection that hints at complexities beyond her years. The cropped hairstyle and simple attire suggest a deliberate rejection of conventional feminine presentation, potentially hinting at a desire for independence or a questioning of societal norms. The fan itself might be interpreted as a symbol of restraint or a shield against the world, further reinforcing this sense of guardedness. Overall, the drawing evokes a feeling of poignant beauty and understated psychological depth.