Portrait of Nikolai Karamzin Vasily Tropinin (1776-1857)
Vasily Tropinin – Portrait of Nikolai Karamzin
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Painter: Vasily Tropinin
Location: The State Tretyakov Gallery, Moscow (Государственная Третьяковская галерея).
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Nikolai Mikhailovich Karamzin was not only a legendary writer, a talented poet, an excellent translator, but also an excellent historian. He had a tremendous influence on the formation of the country’s linguistic and literary culture. It was he who translated many of William Shakespeare’s works from English into Russian. He did this work very subtly, trying to preserve the meaning and interesting turns of phrase.
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Description of Vasily Tropinin’s painting "Portrait of N. M. Karamzin".
Nikolai Mikhailovich Karamzin was not only a legendary writer, a talented poet, an excellent translator, but also an excellent historian. He had a tremendous influence on the formation of the country’s linguistic and literary culture.
It was he who translated many of William Shakespeare’s works from English into Russian. He did this work very subtly, trying to preserve the meaning and interesting turns of phrase. His most famous work was the novel "Poor Liza," created by the author in 1792. Of course, such a man should have been immortalized on canvas.
The artist who captured Karamzin became Tropinin. This man was a true master of his craft. He did not take particular part in exhibitions, did not seek to flaunt his talent or make loud statements about himself. However, his broad soul, humanity and ability to be a good friend made him an influential artist. In 1818, he was lucky enough to work on a painting entitled Portrait of N. M. Karamzin. The work is executed on canvas in oil.
Karamzin is depicted close-up. Even the small details of his clothes are well discernible. His look is simultaneously full of warmth and severity. The picture is executed very precisely and realistically. His belonging to the intelligentsia, his good upbringing and high level of education can be seen in the picture. The background is painted in a neutral dark green shade. This allows the emphasis to be placed on the writer.
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The man’s attire contributes significantly to the overall impression. A dark coat, likely wool or a similar heavy fabric, drapes over his shoulders, its folds rendered with careful attention to detail. Beneath it, a waistcoat in a warmer hue peeks out from the collar, providing a visual contrast that prevents the composition from becoming overly somber. The crisp white linen of his cravat is meticulously arranged, suggesting an adherence to established social conventions and a concern for personal presentation.
His facial expression is complex. While there’s a certain gravity in his demeanor, it isnt one of sadness or despair. Rather, the slight furrowing of his brow and the set of his mouth convey a sense of thoughtful introspection, perhaps even a hint of melancholy. The eyes themselves are particularly striking; they possess an alertness that suggests intelligence and a capacity for observation.
The artist’s handling of hair is noteworthy. It appears somewhat disheveled, with strands falling across his forehead in a naturalistic manner. This detail introduces a touch of informality to the otherwise formal portrait, hinting at a personality that might be both intellectual and approachable. The texture of the hair is rendered with visible brushstrokes, adding to the sense of realism.
Subtly, the painting conveys an impression of someone who is accustomed to authority and respect. The direct gaze establishes a connection with the viewer, but it also implies a certain self-assurance. The overall effect is one of quiet dignity and intellectual depth – a man who has likely spent considerable time in contemplation and reflection.