Head of the Girl in a Kerchief 

Konstantin Egorovich Makovsky painted this watercolor, Head of the Girl in a Kerchief. The watercolor medium, traditionally used for studies and preliminary sketches, allows for a swift, spontaneous rendering, ideal for capturing fleeting moments of everyday life. Notice how the translucent washes of color evoke the girl’s youthfulness, and how the basket is summarily described. The rapid, fluid brushwork shows the artist’s mastery of the medium, as well as the sitter’s humble station. Makovsky was known for his grand society portraits, but here he turns his attention to the working class, perhaps seeking authenticity in a rapidly changing society. While seemingly spontaneous, the painting also reflects the artist’s skilled hand and trained eye. It prompts us to consider how artistic practices are often intertwined with social observations, reflecting the artist’s engagement with the world around them.