Yekaterina Nelidova Dmitry Levitsky (Levitzky) (1735-1822)
Dmitry Levitsky – Yekaterina Nelidova
Edit attribution
Download full size: 912×1464 px (0,4 Mb)
Painter: Dmitry Levitsky (Levitzky)
Album navigation:
Nelidova was a maid of honor at the imperial court, a woman of uncommon intelligence, lightness of character and courage. Easily getting along with people, she playfully made useful acquaintances, found friends where, it would seem, no one could find them, and could even calm down Paul I, when he fell into hysterics and began to rage. It happened that she defended the Empress from the enraged Emperor. The picture shows her quite young, even before her expulsion from St.
ArtClub
Best Contemporary Atists
Description of the painting "Portrait of Nelidova" by Dmitry Levitsky
Nelidova was a maid of honor at the imperial court, a woman of uncommon intelligence, lightness of character and courage. Easily getting along with people, she playfully made useful acquaintances, found friends where, it would seem, no one could find them, and could even calm down Paul I, when he fell into hysterics and began to rage. It happened that she defended the Empress from the enraged Emperor.
The picture shows her quite young, even before her expulsion from St. Petersburg, even before the unpleasant rumors about her and Paul. She has recently graduated from the Institute (Smolny Institute for Noble Maidens), with her whole life ahead of her, and she is dressed in a theatrical dress which the pupils used to dance in during performances. Usually portraits of those times seem solemn and austere, with all the regalia, and necessarily with a stern look on the viewer.
Nelidova, on the other hand, is depicted dancing - you can see it in her whole posture. Her legs are crossed, her arms are making a circular movement, as if outlining an imaginary circle, her body goes backwards in relation to her legs, and her head is slightly inclined to the left. All this creates a sense of spiral motion, a spiral twisting - it seems that in the next instant the young girl will waltz around the picture, waltzing with herself.
She has a neat hat on her head, her hand holds a light, transparent apron, and her face plays with a sly, cheerful smile. Like a playful girl, Nelidova looks at the artist, and with him the viewer, a bit squinting, as if checking - is he angry that she is dancing? Will he stop, or laugh?
Her eyes are brown and her hair is ashy, put in a high hairdo. By all indications, she should seem all grown up, but she doesn’t.
This is how she went through life - laughing, dancing, shawling, and playing. Giving people a sense of joy and happiness to come.
You cannot comment Why?
The woman’s attire indicates a position of privilege and refinement. Her gown, in muted gold tones, is elaborately detailed with floral embroidery, indicative of considerable expense and craftsmanship. The wide panniers contribute to the fashionable silhouette of the period. A tricorn hat adorns her head, tied with a ribbon that echoes the color scheme of the dress. She holds a sheer shawl or veil delicately before her, partially obscuring the lower portion of the gown and adding an element of graceful movement.
Her expression is subtle; she offers a slight smile, conveying both confidence and amiable charm. The gaze is directed slightly downward, avoiding direct eye contact with the viewer, which contributes to an impression of modesty and perhaps a touch of playful reserve.
The lighting in the painting is soft and diffused, highlighting her face and upper body while allowing the background to recede into shadow. This technique draws attention to the sitter’s features and emphasizes her presence within the composition. The dark background serves as a foil for the womans luminous attire and complexion.
Subtly, the landscape hints at an outdoor setting, yet it is idealized rather than realistically depicted. It suggests a cultivated garden or parkland, reinforcing the impression of leisure and refinement associated with the sitter’s social standing. The overall effect is one of understated elegance and quiet confidence, portraying a woman comfortable in her position within a privileged society.