Tata portrait in the costume of Harlequin 1921

Zinaida Serebriakova rendered this portrait of her daughter in the costume of Harlequin in pastel, using sticks of pure pigment bound into a chalk-like form. Pastel allows for direct application of color, with no mixing required, and a softness of line that suits the intimacy of a domestic portrait. Serebriakova layers blue, white, and pink pastels to create the Harlequin's checkered costume, and deftly captures the texture of the fabric, while also creating volume and depth. Harlequin was a popular character in the Commedia dell’arte tradition, a witty, mischievous servant always ready for comic antics. The costume, with its patchwork of vibrant colors, has its own history in the traditions of Italian folk theatre, evoking a sense of playful creativity. By emphasizing the material qualities and cultural context of this artwork, we can appreciate how Serebriakova blended traditions of fine art with the richness of popular culture.