Portrait of Prince Alexey Alexandrovich Lobanov-Rostovsky and his wife Alexandra Grigoryevna, born Kusheleva Vladimir Borovikovsky (1757-1825)

The composition presents a formally posed couple within a domestic interior that transitions into a landscape backdrop. The man, positioned slightly behind and to the left of the woman, leans towards her with his hand gently resting on hers – a gesture suggesting intimacy and connection. He is dressed in formal attire: a dark coat over a light waistcoat and shirt, emphasizing his status through traditional markers of male propriety. His gaze is directed beyond the viewer, lending an air of contemplation or perhaps distant engagement.
The woman occupies the central foreground. She wears a high-necked white dress with delicate lace detailing, indicative of refined taste and social standing. Her posture is upright and dignified; she holds a palette in one hand and a paintbrush in the other, suggesting artistic pursuits – a common attribute ascribed to women of leisure during this period. The inclusion of these implements implies not merely an interest in art but potentially a degree of skill or participation in creative endeavors. A patterned shawl drapes over her lap, adding visual richness and texture to the scene.
To the left of the woman sits a fluffy white poodle, positioned close to her. This detail is significant; dogs were frequently included in aristocratic portraits as symbols of status, companionship, and domesticity. The dog’s presence softens the formality of the portrait and introduces an element of playful familiarity.
The background reveals a glimpse of a park-like landscape with trees and sky visible through an arched opening – a common device to suggest access to nature and leisure. A partially obscured architectural feature on the left, possibly a column or balustrade, reinforces the sense of wealth and privilege. The lighting is carefully controlled, highlighting the faces and garments of the couple while leaving portions of the background in shadow, which contributes to the overall depth and drama of the scene.
Subtly, the painting conveys messages about social hierarchy, marital harmony, and feminine accomplishment within a framework of aristocratic values. The woman’s artistic pursuits, coupled with her elegant attire and composed demeanor, suggest an educated and cultured individual – a desirable attribute for women in this era. The mans supportive posture and formal dress underscore his role as the provider and protector, while their joined hands symbolize a stable and respectable union. Overall, the work functions not merely as a likeness but as a carefully constructed statement of social identity and familial values.