Portrait of Sergei Semenovich Uvarov. 1813. Orest Adamovich Kiprensky (1782-1836)

The portrait presents a young man in formal attire, viewed in three-quarter profile against a muted background. The composition is tightly focused on his face and upper torso, emphasizing his presence and conveying a sense of importance. His gaze is directed slightly off-center, suggesting introspection or perhaps a deliberate avoidance of direct engagement with the viewer.
The artist has rendered the subject’s features with considerable detail. A youthful complexion is evident, though subtle shading around the eyes and mouth hints at underlying seriousness or even melancholy. The dark, meticulously styled hair frames his face, contributing to an overall impression of refinement and order. A neatly trimmed beard adds to this cultivated appearance.
The mans clothing provides significant contextual information. He wears a white shirt with a ruffled collar, topped by a black coat and a vibrant red cravat adorned with laurel leaves – a symbol frequently associated with victory and honor. This combination of formal attire and symbolic ornamentation suggests a position of authority or involvement in matters of state. The crispness of the fabric and the precision of the folds indicate attention to detail and an adherence to established social conventions.
The background, rendered in soft, indistinct tones of beige and cream, serves to isolate the figure and direct the viewer’s focus entirely upon him. A glimpse of what appears to be a draped curtain is visible behind the subject, adding a touch of formality and suggesting an interior setting – likely a study or official chamber.
The artists signature in the lower right corner, along with the date 1813, provides crucial information about the work’s creation. The overall effect is one of restrained elegance and understated power, portraying a man who embodies the values of his era: intellect, responsibility, and adherence to tradition. Subtly, theres an air of quiet confidence; not boastful, but assured in his place within the social hierarchy.