Catherine Balebina was born December 29, 1933, the daughter of Vasily Balebin, a famed military pilot and torpedo-bomber, Hero of the Soviet Union and Great Patriotic War.

In this portrait of his wife, Russov puts on a pedestal a gamine image of feminine beauty and charm.

The painting's neutral background makes Catherine the focal point of the piece.

Catherine's closed, dark blue dress focuses attention on her face, shaded by her chestnut hair, and her expressive eyes.

In contrast to the stillness of her pose, her eyes speak of a passionate and independent nature, also seem in her expression.