Portrait of Maria F. Jakuntjikova

This portrait has been described as Serov first major parade portraits. The painting was begun in 1885 when the artist was 20 years old and was finished after some interruption 1888. The portrait is painted in the cool light tones characteristic of Serov's early Impressionist period. He has depicted his model with a tender ruthlessness. You get the impression that the young woman is intelligent, charming and strong-willed. Maria Feodorovna Jakuntjikova, belonged to the Moscow merchant-aristocracy, married young to the wealthy textile factory owner Jakuntjikova. The portrait was probably exhibited at the artist's first solo exhibition.