The head of a young woman in a white veil 1885

This portrait by Vasily Polenov, created in 1885, depicts the head and shoulders of a young woman in a white veil. The subject is shown in profile, with her head resting on her hand, creating a sense of contemplation or introspection. Polenov's loose brushstrokes and the muted palette contribute to the intimate and contemplative mood of the piece. The painting exemplifies the artist's interest in capturing fleeting moments of human emotion and the beauty of everyday life. This work is a fine example of Russian Realism, a movement that emphasized depicting scenes from everyday life, often with a focus on social issues.