The artwork, titled “Portrait of Aleksandr Serebriakov studying an album,” is a creation by the artist Zinaida Serebriakova. Belonging to the Art Nouveau (Modern) movement, it falls within the genre of portraiture. This painting exemplifies Serebriakova’s adeptness in capturing intimate and contemplative moments.
In the artwork, a young boy, Aleksandr Serebriakov, is depicted engrossed in an album, perhaps of photographs or illustrations. His gaze, directed towards the viewer, juxtaposes with the natural setting of study. The details, such as the art supplies – brushes, pencils, paper – and a bottle on the table, accentuate the theme of study and creativity. The use of muted tones and subtle shading enhances the depth and realism of the portrait. The composition reflects a serene, intellectual ambiance, embodying the essence of early 20th-century portraiture under the Art Nouveau style.
