Portrait of Berthe Popoff in a floral fascinator 1941

Zinaida Serebriakova made this portrait of Berthe Popoff in Paris in 1941, using pastel on cardboard. It feels like a quick sketch, almost like an Impressionist painting, with short strokes and a delicate touch, especially in the way the lilac and green colours are layered in her floral fascinator. I can imagine Serebriakova working swiftly to capture the moment, observing how light plays on Berthe's face and her subtle, sweet smile. It’s fascinating how she uses colour to describe form and the soft veil that frames Berthe’s face. The texture is smooth, with gentle blending of the pastel, and the whole composition feels very serene and intimate. The light almost feels like a character in itself, adding to the overall mood. Serebriakova's piece reminds me of other portrait artists who captured the essence of their subjects with sensitivity and grace. She embraces the ambiguity of human expression, leaving space for multiple readings and emotional connections.