The artwork titled “Portrait of a Nurse” was created by Zinaida Serebriakova in the year 1903. It belongs to the Symbolism art movement and is classified under the genre of portraiture.
In this depiction, the artist masterfully captures the essence of the nurse wearing traditional attire. The nurse is portrayed with a dignified and solemn expression, adorned in a headscarf that features dark tones with subtle red patterns. Her garment, predominantly light-colored, drapes naturally, enhancing the realistic portrayal of fabric texture. The muted, earthy background serves to emphasize the subject, drawing attention to her facial features and attire. The nurse’s gaze is directed off to the side, suggesting a contemplative or reflective state. The skillful use of lighting and shadowing by Serebriakova renders a three-dimensional quality to the figure, highlighting the nuances of her expression and the folds of her clothing, which together, evoke a sense of quiet strength and resilience.
