Fortune-teller with a candle 1830

Orest Kiprensky's "Fortune-teller with a Candle" (1830) is a captivating portrayal of a woman lost in thought, her gaze directed upwards as if contemplating a prediction. The dimly lit setting, illuminated by a flickering candle, adds to the enigmatic atmosphere. The woman's elaborate attire, featuring a colorful headscarf and a necklace of shells, hints at her role as a fortune-teller. The presence of playing cards scattered on the table further underscores the theme of fate and divination. This oil painting, housed in the Russian Museum in Saint Petersburg, is a testament to Kiprensky's skill in capturing the nuances of human emotion and the allure of the unknown.