In the dressing room 1924

Zinaida Serebriakova created this drawing, "In the Dressing Room," using pastel on paper. The artwork presents a woman gazing into a mirror, seemingly absorbed in her reflection and the intimate act of preparing herself. The composition is structured around a network of lines and tonal variations, which bring both definition and fluidity to the scene. Serebriakova employs pastel strokes that are both precise and gestural. Observe how the delicate strokes of the pastel define the contours of the figure, yet simultaneously dissolve into a more amorphous background. The interplay between solid form and dissolving edges challenges traditional notions of representation. This is where the subject is depicted within a defined space, yet simultaneously appears to be emerging from, or dissolving into, the surrounding atmosphere. Note the vibrant use of color, particularly the striking contrast between the soft flesh tones and the richer hues of the woman's attire. The tension between the solid and the ephemeral—the structured and the chaotic—invites you to contemplate the transient nature of identity and the very act of seeing.