Portrait of a Woman. 1816-20 (q). H., m. 70. 2h58. 8. Sumy Orest Adamovich Kiprensky (1782-1836)
Orest Adamovich Kiprensky – Portrait of a Woman. 1816-20 (q). H., m. 70. 2h58. 8. Sumy
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Painter: Orest Adamovich Kiprensky
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During the 18th century in Russia a special place was occupied by such a type of painting as the portrait. A portrait is a depiction of a person with a recreation of a certain individuality. The external resemblance to a person, as well as his spiritual world, can all be displayed in a portrait. Despite the fact that the Academy considered this type of art to be the lowest genre, the fame of this genre was predetermined by the current needs of society at the time.
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Description of the painting "Portrait of a Woman" by Orest Kiprensky
During the 18th century in Russia a special place was occupied by such a type of painting as the portrait. A portrait is a depiction of a person with a recreation of a certain individuality. The external resemblance to a person, as well as his spiritual world, can all be displayed in a portrait. Despite the fact that the Academy considered this type of art to be the lowest genre, the fame of this genre was predetermined by the current needs of society at the time. The prerequisites for this new type of portrait were the conditions of Russian society in the 19th century.
Kiprensky was the illegitimate son of a Deaconov and a peasant woman. From the age of six, he studied at the Academy of Art. Characterized by diligence and a desire to learn.
During the Patriotic War, the artist Kiprensky worked on a number of portraits, which today show us all the faces involved in this historical drama. After 1822, the artist begins to work in the style of gala portrait. This genre is intended to show a person through the setting that surrounds him. The painter is trying to convey all the content of the picture by clearly reproducing in his paintings all the minutiae and details.
In the works of Kiprensky a special place take women’s portraits. They have it in a special way sincere, touching their depth.
The artist was able to create a lofty image of the girl. The artist dreamed to create a system in painting, which would reflect the illusion of life. During his different periods Kiprensky is different - from a romantic in his young period to a mature artist-realist.
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Here we see a careful attention to detail in rendering the subject’s features. Her skin possesses a delicate luminosity, achieved through subtle gradations of light and shadow. The artist has captured a sense of quiet composure; her expression is not overtly joyful or sorrowful, but rather suggests an inner reserve and perhaps a touch of melancholy.
The womans attire contributes significantly to the overall impression. She wears a dark, high-necked garment with elaborate lace detailing at the collar and cuffs. A vibrant red shawl drapes across her shoulders and arm, providing a striking contrast against the somber tones of her dress. The fabric’s folds are rendered with considerable skill, adding depth and texture to the composition.
The hairstyle is characteristic of the early nineteenth century, with dark hair swept up and styled in soft curls framing her face. This style, along with the clothing, places the portrait firmly within a specific historical context.
Subtly, the painting conveys an impression of social standing and refinement. The quality of the fabrics, the meticulousness of the rendering, and the woman’s dignified posture all suggest a position of privilege. However, the subdued color palette and the somewhat melancholic expression hint at complexities beyond mere outward display. Theres a sense of introspection conveyed through her gaze; she seems to be observing the viewer as much as being observed. The red shawl, while visually arresting, could also symbolize passion or perhaps a hidden emotional depth beneath a controlled exterior.
The overall effect is one of restrained elegance and quiet dignity, inviting contemplation on the subject’s inner life and social context.