#47503 Aleksey Antropov (1716-1795)

The portrait presents a woman in a three-quarter view, her gaze directed towards the left of the frame. She is positioned against a dark, indistinct background that emphasizes her figure and attire. The artist has rendered her with meticulous attention to detail, particularly regarding the elaborate hairstyle and jewelry.
Here we see an intricate arrangement of greyish-white hair styled in voluminous curls, interwoven with strands of pearls and adorned with a jeweled tiara. This coiffure speaks to a deliberate display of wealth and status, indicative of a high social rank. The woman’s face is characterized by prominent features – a strong nose, full lips, and a determined chin – rendered with a degree of realism that suggests an attempt at capturing her personality rather than merely presenting an idealized beauty.
She wears a pale dress, draped with a blue sash across the chest, secured with a large, ornate order or medal. The texture of the fabric is suggested through subtle variations in color and brushstroke. The jewelry – earrings and the prominent breast star – further reinforces her elevated position within the social hierarchy. The light falls upon her face and upper body, highlighting these details while leaving the background shrouded in shadow.
Subtly, the painting conveys a sense of authority and power. Her posture is upright, her expression serious, suggesting an individual accustomed to command and responsibility. The dark backdrop serves not only as contrast but also creates a feeling of isolation or distance, hinting at the burdens associated with leadership. The meticulous rendering of details – the pearls, the jewels, the fabric – suggests a desire to immortalize her image and legacy through artistic representation. Overall, the work is an exercise in portraying power and status within a formal portrait setting.