Levitsky Dmitry – Portrait of Prokofy Demidov Akinfievicha 900 Classic russian paintings

The composition presents a gentleman in what appears to be a domestic setting, likely a balcony or terrace overlooking a cityscape. He is positioned slightly off-center, leaning against a table laden with objects that contribute significantly to the overall impression of wealth and refinement. The man’s posture is relaxed yet assured; he holds a small paper or document in his hand, as if pausing from some intellectual pursuit. His gaze is directed outward, suggesting engagement with the world beyond the immediate space.
The color palette is dominated by warm tones – the rich red of his coat contrasts with the lighter hues of his breeches and waistcoat. The green of his cap echoes the foliage visible in the potted plants flanking him, creating a visual harmony that reinforces the sense of cultivated taste. Light plays an important role; it illuminates the man’s face and upper body, drawing attention to his features while casting shadows on the background elements, adding depth and dimension to the scene.
The objects arranged around him are not merely decorative; they function as symbolic indicators of status and learning. The large silver vessel resting on the table suggests prosperity and access to luxury goods. The books partially visible beneath it imply an interest in scholarship or intellectual pursuits. The potted plants themselves, carefully tended and displayed, speak to a cultivated appreciation for nature and aesthetics.
The architectural setting is noteworthy. Through the open archway behind him, one glimpses a distant cityscape – a suggestion of urban power and influence. This juxtaposition of interior comfort and exterior grandeur reinforces the subject’s position within a broader social context. The balcony itself, with its classical columns and draped fabric, evokes associations with antiquity and high culture.
Subtly, there is an element of self-awareness in the portrait. The mans pose and expression convey not only confidence but also a certain degree of studied nonchalance – a deliberate presentation of oneself as a person of leisure and refinement. The overall effect is one of carefully constructed identity, where material possessions, intellectual interests, and social standing are all meticulously displayed to create an impression of elevated status.