The artwork entitled “Maria Butakova nee Evreinova,” created by Zinaida Serebriakova in 1931, is a portrait that belongs to the Expressionism art movement. This piece skillfully encapsulates the essence of the individual portrayed, characteristic of the genre’s inclination towards conveying emotion and subjective experience.
The artwork features a woman dressed in a luxurious fur coat, which exudes a sense of warmth and opulence. Her composed expression and direct gaze towards the viewer create an intimate connection. The artist’s technique is evident in the careful rendering of the fur’s texture and the sitter’s facial features. The color palette is subdued yet rich, complementing the serene and reflective mood of the portrait. The background remains abstract, allowing the focus to rest entirely on the subject, thus enhancing the personal and expressive quality of the artwork.