The artwork, titled “Self-portrait in red,” was created by Zinaida Serebriakova in 1921. It is an example of the Expressionism movement and falls within the genre of self-portraiture.
In the artwork, a woman is depicted seated against a dark backdrop, wearing a vividly red garment, which stands in contrast to the otherwise subdued colors. Her face is illuminated, drawing the viewer’s focus to her serene yet penetrating gaze. The red clothing appears heavy and layered, its texture captured through expressive brush strokes characteristic of the Expressionism style. In her left hand, she holds an artist’s brush, subtly asserting her identity as a painter. The dark surroundings and elements in the background further accentuate the subject’s central presence and emphasize the introspective nature of the self-portrait. The composition effectively conveys a sense of calm and introspection, revealing the artist’s mastery of capturing human emotion and depth.
