Portrait of Nikolai Lvov Dmitry Levitsky (Levitzky) (1735-1822)
Dmitry Levitsky – Portrait of Nikolai Lvov
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Painter: Dmitry Levitsky (Levitzky)
Location: The State Tretyakov Gallery, Moscow (Государственная Третьяковская галерея).
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The mastery of the artist manifested itself in portrait art, and he is known not only for ceremonial, but also for chamber images in which all the details were of great importance: clothing, location in space, pose, surroundings, facial expression, gaze, even background. However, the portrait painter was not a formalist and often deviated from the rules of the genre in order to show in addition to the gala and spectacular external side of the man his soul, affections and humanity. In the portrait of the famous architect, poet, musician and a great friend of the artist N.
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Description of Dmitry Levitsky’s painting "Portrait of N. A. Lvov" (1789)
The mastery of the artist manifested itself in portrait art, and he is known not only for ceremonial, but also for chamber images in which all the details were of great importance: clothing, location in space, pose, surroundings, facial expression, gaze, even background. However, the portrait painter was not a formalist and often deviated from the rules of the genre in order to show in addition to the gala and spectacular external side of the man his soul, affections and humanity.
In the portrait of the famous architect, poet, musician and a great friend of the artist N. Lvov looks modest and at the same time noble and spiritual, all this is achieved by the painter’s artistic solution. Each portrait painted by Levitsky is individual. The artist focused on studying the unique features of the person he reproduces. Means of exposure, coloring, lighting of the character on his canvases are always conditioned by the content of the image. The portrait depicts a quiet, self-assured man wearing an ordinary blue surcoat without any solemn regalia, but tailored according to fashion and quite new, with a white shirt decorated with a crimped jabot and a bow tie to match.
A clean-shaven face of a noble skin tone, framed by a lush, fashionable hairdo of dark hair, stands out brightly against the dark background. The calm, intelligent eyes stand out on the face, with their gaze directed directly at the viewers. This look cannot be called haughty or proud, it is simply human, participatory and a little weary.
The author does not deviate on trifles, he shows his spectators a prominent exponent of the ideas of the Russian Enlightenment. The balanced architectonics, mature coloring, and the lighting that accentuates Lvov’s face are typical features of the portrait, reproducing the image of a remarkable man - active, enterprising, intelligent, abundantly endowed with all kinds of abilities, marked by dignity and self-respect, free and independent at heart.
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Here we see a gentleman dressed in what appears to be a velvet coat of a deep teal or blue-green hue. The fabric’s texture is rendered with careful attention to the play of light, suggesting richness and quality. A delicate white cravat, intricately folded and pinned, adorns his neck, contrasting sharply with the darker tones of the coat. A decorative emblem is visible on the lapel, hinting at possible affiliations or status.
The man’s hair is styled in a manner characteristic of the late 18th century – powdered and arranged into voluminous curls that frame his face. His expression is subtle; he looks directly out with an air of quiet confidence, but without overt display of emotion. The lighting highlights his features – a slightly prominent nose, full lips, and intelligent eyes – suggesting a thoughtful and perhaps discerning personality.
The artist’s technique demonstrates a focus on realism, particularly in the rendering of skin tones and fabric textures. There is an intentional softness to the edges, which contributes to a sense of gentility and refinement. The limited color palette reinforces this impression, creating a restrained and dignified atmosphere.
Subtly, the portrait conveys a message of understated authority and intellectualism. The man’s gaze suggests engagement and awareness, while his attire speaks to social standing and adherence to established conventions. The overall effect is one of quiet power and cultivated elegance – a representation of an individual who occupies a position of influence within a structured society.