Exhibition of one painting "George Doe." Portrait of Empress Elizabeth Alekseevna "

On July 29, the Kaluga Museum of Fine Arts (104 Lenina st., Main exposition) will open an exhibition of one painting “George Doe. "Portrait of Empress Elizabeth Alekseevna". On the occasion of the 240th anniversary of the artist’s birth.

The first half of the 19th century is a special page in the history of Russian portraiture. Important changes are taking place in the understanding of the portrait genre. The ceremonial portrait, so characteristic of the 18th century, is gradually being modified. Romantic ideas have an impact on the artistic process. Masters strive to emphasize the individuality of the model, focus on conveying his inner, emotional world, and bring him closer to the viewer.

George Doe was born in London in 1781, the son of the engraving artist Philip Doe. He studied the art of engraving from his father. Interested in painting, he entered the Royal Academy of Arts in London. In 1809 he became a member of the academy, and in 1814 - an academician.

He began his career as a historical painter. However, sensing the talent of a portrait painter, Dow devoted himself entirely to the portrait genre. Indeed, contemporaries noted the special talent of the master. He wrote very quickly, in one breath, instantly grasping the image of the model and embodying it with amazing accuracy and authenticity.

At the invitation of Alexander I, he came to Russia in 1819. Dow’s greatest fame was brought by a series of more than 300 portraits of Russian generals - heroes of the Patriotic War of 1812 for the Military Gallery of the Winter Palace. He worked on it together with his assistants A. V. Polyakov and V. A. Golike. In 1820 he became an honorary free associate of the Imperial Academy of Arts, and in 1828 he received the title of "first portrait painter" of the imperial court. During his nine years in Russia, he created about 500 works. During the reign of Alexander I, Dow enjoyed his patronage, gained recognition and fame. With the accession of Nicholas I, the position of the master at the court began to change. The emperor was often dissatisfied with the work of Dow, ordered him to modify and correct them. Probably,disagreements between the artist and the sovereign became the reasons for Dow’s departure from Russia in May 1828 to his homeland. Despite the fact that Dow had a great fortune, which provided him with a comfortable life, he wanted to return to Russia, where he reached the pinnacle of his creativity. He arrived in St. Petersburg in the fall of 1828, however, due to aggravated health problems, he was forced to go back to London, where he died in October 1829.

The portrait depicts Empress Elizabeth Alekseevna (1779 - 1826), wife of Alexander I, née Louise Maria Augusta, Princess of Baden. Elizaveta Alekseevna, thanks to her beauty, excellent manners and high spiritual qualities, won the love and admiration of the courtiers. She was distinguished by modesty, was burdened by social life, preferred solitude, was engaged in charity work. Despite her position, she communicated with everyone naturally, without any arrogance. Dow completed several portraits of the Empress in the second half of the 1820s. Some of them have similarities in composition.

A portrait from the collection of the Kaluga Museum of Fine Arts depicts Elizaveta Alekseevna bosom against a bluish background, looking directly at the viewer. The expression on her face expresses calmness, benevolence and thoughtfulness. The artist emphasizes the beauty and grace of the model. She is dressed in a delicate salmon-colored dress. Her head is adorned with a scarlet velvet turban, a diamond tiara and feathers. On the neck there is a necklace made of pearls. The cold shine of the jewelry is contrasted with the warm blush and golden hair of the heroine.

The exhibition will run until August 29.