Maria Butakova nee Evreinova 1931

Zinaida Serebriakova made this portrait of Maria Butakova in Paris, using pastel, in 1931. Serebriakova belonged to the Russian artistic diaspora in Paris, one of many artists who had left Russia following the 1917 revolution. In exile, many émigré artists had to make a living by painting portraits. But this is not just a commercial piece. The slight upward tilt of the subject's head, the fur coat worn jauntily over a patterned blouse, and the fashionable hat all combine to create a compelling image of a modern, independent woman. It's important to remember that the culture of the Russian diaspora was complex. Émigrés often felt rootless, torn between the world they had left behind and the new one they were trying to build. This image seems to express a sense of optimism about the future, even as it acknowledges the past. To understand this painting better, we can study the history of Russian emigration to Paris and learn about the art market in Paris at the time. By considering the social and historical context, we can gain a deeper appreciation for the nuances of this beautiful portrait.