Portrait NV Kochubey. 1813 Moose. Pushkin, St. Petersburg. Orest Adamovich Kiprensky (1782-1836)

The drawing presents a young woman in a three-quarter pose, her gaze directed slightly off-center with a contemplative air. The artist has rendered her features with a delicate precision; the high forehead, slender nose, and subtly parted lips contribute to an impression of quiet intelligence and refinement. Her hair is styled simply, pulled back from the face and arranged into a neat chignon at the nape of her neck.
The color palette is restrained, dominated by muted tones of white, cream, and grey, with accents of pale blue in the sash that crosses her shoulders. This sash draws attention to the line of her form, emphasizing a slender physique. The artist employed subtle gradations of tone to suggest the texture of the fabric, creating a sense of volume and depth.
Behind the woman, a dark, voluminous shape looms – likely a hat or cloak – rendered in broad strokes of charcoal that contrast sharply with the lightness of her attire. This dark backdrop serves not only as a compositional element but also creates a visual barrier, isolating the subject and intensifying the focus on her face and expression. The darkness suggests an underlying complexity or perhaps a sense of melancholy.
The overall effect is one of understated elegance and psychological depth. Theres a certain formality to the pose and attire, indicative of a portrait intended for display within a respectable social circle. However, the woman’s gaze and the subtle nuances of her expression hint at an inner life beyond the surface presentation. The artist appears less interested in simply documenting physical appearance than in capturing a sense of character and personality.