Pierrot (Self portrait in the costume of Pierrot) 1911

Zinaida Serebriakova painted this self-portrait in the guise of Pierrot with oil on canvas. The muted palette, dominated by whites, greys, and subtle earth tones, feels surprisingly modern. It's like she’s letting the process breathe, allowing the paint to do its thing. Look at the way she handles the whites of the costume. It's not just one flat white, but a symphony of tones, from creamy yellows to cool greys, catching the light in different ways. It's thick, but translucent, you can see the energy and the quickness of the application of the paint. It’s like each stroke is a little decision, a little experiment. It's playful and full of life. That black mask she's holding contrasts so sharply with the lightness of the rest of the painting. It's a bold move, a focal point that grounds the whole composition. Serebriakova reminds me of Berthe Morisot, another woman artist who wasn't afraid to get messy and explore the possibilities of paint. It's like they're both part of a conversation, pushing the boundaries of what painting can be.