1794
oil on canvas
31.8 x 26.1 (oval)

The work pertains to a special form of the portrait genre – small-format portraits that were characteristic of the early period of V.L. Borovikovsky’s artistic career. The oval format rhythmically corresponds to the silhouettes of the figures. The heads of the girls lean towards one another, demonstrating their elevated feeling of friendship and the touching accord of their hearts – qualities which were highly esteemed in the age of Sentimentalism. The mood of the work is matched by the tender, light blue and mother of pearl colour register. In the opinion of researchers, Borovikovsky depicted the house-serfs of architect N.A. Lvov. They are wearing dresses and decorations that pertained to representatives of the noble class. The artist has invested them with a capability for elevated feelings and thoughts, something characteristic of Sentimentalism, with its idealization of the “simple man.”

at 10, Lavrushinsky Lane, Hall 7