Portrait of a member of the State Council, Prince A.N. Golitsyn Karl Pavlovich Bryullov (1799-1852)

The painting depicts a portrait of an elderly man, identified as Prince A.N. Golitsyn, a member of the State Council. He is seated in a reddish-brown upholstered chair, facing slightly to the viewers left, with his gaze directed forward. He wears a grey frock coat over a white shirt and a blue cravat. Multiple medals and orders adorn his coat and chest, signifying his distinguished service and status.
He is seated at a dark, ornate desk. On the desk, typical items of a learned official are displayed: papers, an inkwell with quill pens, a pair of spectacles, and a pocket watch he is holding. To the left, a large floor clock with a white face indicates the time. Behind the desk, a decorative metal stand is adorned with lush green foliage, and above it hangs a framed painting, likely religious in theme, showing a figure in red and blue robes with a book. To the right of the sitter, a grand doorway opens to reveal a richly decorated interior with paintings on the wall, suggesting a palatial or government setting. The floor is covered in a polished wooden parquet pattern.
The subtext of the painting lies in its masterful conveyance of the sitters status, intellect, and accumulated accolades. The medals and orders are clear indicators of his achievements and importance within the state. The setting – a well-appointed room with a library of books implied by the artwork and desk items – suggests a man of intellect and culture, engaged in serious work. The formal attire and dignified pose contribute to an image of authority and respectability. The presence of the clock and the act of holding a watch may allude to the passage of time and the importance of punctuality or the finite nature of life, perhaps emphasizing his dedication to his duties during his years of service. The overall composition aims to immortalize Prince Golitsyn as a significant figure.