Venäläisiä

"Venäläisiä" by Albert Edelfelt is an intriguing collection of sketches that captures a diverse range of characters, most notably various Russian figures, as suggested by the title which translates to "Russians" from Finnish. The artwork displays an array of quick, expressive sketches that collectively provide a vivid insight into Russian society and military personas during the period around 1854, as indicated in the artwork.In this piece, Edelfelt showcases his skills in portraiture and character study using pencil and watercolor. The sketches are varied, depicting figures in different poses and attire that reflect their social or military roles. On the left, you observe some figures in detailed uniforms and tall hats, typical of military officers, suggesting their high rank and status. These figures are finely dressed, one notably in a dark, ornate uniform complete with medals, capturing the opulence often associated with the military elite of the era.In the center and to the right, there are more sketches including faces and figures in mid-conversation, which bring a dynamic and lively element to the collection. The sketches on the far right show a group of officers viewed from behind and in profile, depicted in conversation, adding to the narrative quality of the artwork.