Portrait of Prince Vsevolod Obolensky 1936

Zinaida Serebriakova made this portrait of Prince Vsevolod Obolensky, using pastel, in 1936. The portrait captures the prince with a striking immediacy. Serebriakova's use of pastel is particularly compelling, creating a soft yet vibrant texture. Notice how the blue of his shirt contrasts with the warmer tones of his face, drawing our eye to his gaze. The composition, tightly focused on the upper body, allows for an intimate engagement with the subject. Serebriakova's technique here is far from merely representational. The visible strokes and the blending of colours add a dynamic quality to the piece. This technique can be understood within the broader context of early 20th-century portraiture, where artists explored the expressive potential of their mediums to convey not just likeness but also psychological depth. The portrait invites us to consider how traditional forms can be revitalized through innovative artistic practice.