Levitsky Dmitry – Portrait of the architect Alexander Filippovich Kokorinova 900 Classic russian paintings

The composition presents a man in formal attire, positioned against a backdrop suggesting a study or office environment. He is depicted from the waist up, facing slightly towards the viewers left, with his gaze directed forward. The lighting emphasizes his face and upper torso, creating a sense of prominence and importance.
Here we see an individual who appears to be in a position of authority or intellectual standing. His clothing – a dark waistcoat over a shirt with elaborate lace detailing, complemented by a fur-trimmed coat draped casually over his arm – indicates wealth and status within the social hierarchy. The powdered wig, typical of the period, reinforces this impression.
The background is deliberately blurred, but reveals architectural elements – a bookcase filled with volumes and what appears to be drafting tools or plans laid out on a table. These details are not merely decorative; they serve as visual cues pointing towards his profession, likely involving design or construction. The placement of the hand resting upon the table suggests an active engagement with his work, hinting at a thoughtful and deliberate nature.
The artist employed a muted color palette dominated by browns, blacks, and creams, which contributes to a sense of gravitas and formality. The brushwork appears relatively loose, particularly in the rendering of the fur trim and drapery, lending a degree of naturalism to the portrait while maintaining an overall polished aesthetic.
Subtly, there is a suggestion of self-assurance conveyed through his posture and expression. He does not appear overly posed or theatrical; instead, he projects an air of quiet confidence and intellectual composure. The arrangement of objects in the background – the books, the architectural plans – implies a life dedicated to learning and creation, further solidifying the sitter’s identity as someone of considerable accomplishment.