Head of the Old Woman 1890

Konstantin Egorovich Makovsky painted this portrait of an old woman with oil on canvas. The loose brushstrokes, particularly in the background and clothing, create a sense of immediacy and suggest the painting may have been done ‘en plein air’. The texture of the canvas is visible, adding to the rough-hewn character of the image. Note how the red and white stripes of her clothing and the earthy tones of her headscarf create a strong pattern that contrasts with her aging face. Makovsky has represented her in a way that emphasizes her connection to the land and the traditional ways of life of the Russian peasantry. However, it is crucial to recognize the labor involved in the creation of the woman’s textiles, as well as the artist’s own labor in representing her. Looking closely at an artwork like this, understanding its material qualities and production processes, allows us to appreciate both the artistry and the broader social context in which it was made.