Ursula Mnishek Dmitry Levitsky (Levitzky) (1735-1822)

Description of the painting "Portrait of Ursula Mnishek" by Dmitry Levitsky

Date painted 1782 The canvas is in the collection of the State Tretyakov Gallery.

The outstanding master of portrait painting painted the portrait of a secular beauty while at the height of his skill, in his years of highest fame.

The niece of Polish King Stanislav, a maid of honor and then lady of state of Catherine II, and a real showgirl, Ursula Mniszek, looks out at the viewer. Contemporaries noted her sharp mind, education, thorough readiness, skillful conversation, excellent literary and artistic abilities.

The portrait is made in an oval, which is not typical for the painting Levitsky in this genre. Amazing skill of the painter: the picture looks like an amazing cameo - to such an extent masterly "hidden" brushstrokes here.

The shining satin, the starched stiff lace, the thickly powdered high wig, the bright blush - every detail delights by its natural execution, bringing the picture closer to photography in quality.

In depicting the human flesh, the artist achieves unimaginable perfection - using special artistic techniques, he achieves a perfectly even, matte skin tone of the aristocrat, delightfully smooth transition from light to darkened areas.

Ursula Mnishek looks from her portrait with a coldly polite, slightly haughty look. The lady of the world smiles slightly, but her facial expression is more a tribute to simple courtesy than genuine affability. Her pale eyes are cool, her gaze is direct but perfectly clear, without the slightest hint of mystery or underlying emotion. Her aristocratic upbringing and her long stay at court have probably taught her to skilfully conceal her true feelings and moods.

A peculiar mystery of the portrait can be considered its strange attraction: looking carefully at the image, the viewer gradually begins to penetrate the sympathy for the secular lady, forgiving her secrecy and strictly dosed politeness.