Portrait of Prince Golitsyn FA. 1833. H., m. 83. 5h68. Saratov Orest Adamovich Kiprensky (1782-1836)

The portrait presents a gentleman in a formal setting, captured in a three-quarter view. He is positioned slightly off-center, drawing immediate attention to his face and upper torso. The subjects gaze is directed towards the viewer, establishing a direct connection that suggests confidence and perhaps a degree of expectation.
His attire consists of a dark, tailored coat with a high collar, complemented by a crisp white shirt and a neatly tied cravat – typical elements of aristocratic male fashion in the early nineteenth century. The dark color palette of his clothing contrasts sharply with his pale complexion, emphasizing his features and contributing to an overall impression of refinement. His hair is styled in a fashionable curl, framing his face and adding to the sense of cultivated appearance.
Behind him, a large swath of crimson fabric dominates the background. Its texture appears rich and heavy, suggesting luxury and status. A glimpse of a landscape can be discerned through a gap in the drapery – a distant structure rises above a low horizon line under a cloudy sky. This backdrop provides a sense of depth while remaining secondary to the figure’s prominence.
The lighting is carefully orchestrated; it illuminates the subjects face, highlighting subtle nuances in his expression and skin tone. The shadows are soft, avoiding harshness and contributing to an atmosphere of understated elegance. There is a certain melancholy conveyed through the man’s expression – not sadness exactly, but perhaps a quiet introspection or a hint of world-weariness.
The composition suggests a deliberate attempt to portray the subject as a man of consequence, someone who occupies a position of authority and refinement within his society. The overall effect is one of restrained dignity and subtle complexity, hinting at an inner life beyond what can be immediately perceived.