Portrait of Elizabeth Grigoryevna Temkina in the image of Diana Vladimir Borovikovsky (1757-1825)

The portrait presents a woman depicted as a classical figure, specifically evoking the mythological huntress Diana. She is positioned centrally within an oval frame, which immediately establishes a sense of contained elegance and reinforces her status as a subject worthy of veneration. The dark background, rendered in muted blues and greens with hints of starlight, creates depth and focuses attention entirely on the woman herself.
Here we see a young woman with reddish-blonde hair styled in elaborate curls that frame her face. Her expression is one of quiet contemplation, perhaps even melancholy; her gaze directed slightly off to the side, suggesting an inward focus rather than direct engagement with the viewer. The artist has rendered her skin with meticulous attention to detail, capturing subtle variations in tone and texture.
She reclines on a blue fabric, partially draped across her body, revealing a significant portion of her upper torso. This deliberate exposure is not overtly sensual but contributes to the overall impression of classical grace and vulnerability. A crescent moon adorns her hair, a direct allusion to Diana’s association with lunar symbolism – representing purity, chastity, and feminine power.
To her right, a small dog rests, further reinforcing the connection to Diana, who was often depicted accompanied by hounds during her hunts. The presence of a bow and arrow partially obscured behind foliage on the left side of the composition solidifies this thematic link. These elements are not prominently displayed but serve as subtle cues for those familiar with classical mythology.
The painting’s subtexts revolve around themes of femininity, power, and idealized beauty. While the overt representation is that of Diana, it also functions as a portrait of an individual woman, imbuing her with the attributes traditionally associated with the goddess – independence, strength, and a connection to nature. The artist seems to be exploring the intersection between personal identity and mythological archetype, presenting a figure who embodies both specific individuality and universal ideals. The overall effect is one of restrained elegance and quiet dignity, suggesting a woman of considerable intellect and inner fortitude.