Resting dancer 1924

Zinaida Serebriakova made this drawing of a resting dancer using chalk pastel. It's a medium that allows for quick, expressive marks, perfect for capturing fleeting moments. The material qualities of pastel – its softness and blendability – are key to this work. Look at how Serebriakova uses delicate strokes to define the dancer's figure, and how the pastel creates a sense of movement in her tutu. The textured surface of the paper adds another layer, catching the pastel and creating a subtle play of light and shadow. Consider the labor involved, not only in the dancer's demanding profession, but also in Serebriakova's artistic process. Each stroke is deliberate, building up layers of color and form. And the choice of pastel itself speaks to a tradition of drawing that emphasizes immediacy and intimacy. It’s a medium that invites us to appreciate the artist's hand, and the dancer's world, with a fresh perspective.