The artwork titled “Ada girl” by Ilya Repin dates back to 1882 and is crafted using pencil on paper. It is a product of the Realism movement, known for its accurate and unembellished depiction of ordinary life. The piece is considered a “sketch and study,” indicative of the artist’s process of observation and design. Measuring 19 by 11.5 centimeters, the artwork is part of the collection of the Tretyakov Gallery in Moscow, Russia.
This sketch portrays a young girl dressed in the attire of the period. She is seated and appears lost in thought, with a pensive or serene expression. Her attire, consisting of a dress with long sleeves and a bonnet hat, suggests a modest, everyday look typical of the era. The pencil strokes capture the soft texture of her clothing and the shading around her face, adding depth and realism to her portrait. In the background, light sketching outlines what appears to be a natural setting, providing context but leaving the focus on the girl. The overall craftsmanship conveys an intimacy and immediacy, characteristic of a study where the artist aims to capture the essence of the subject.
