Portrait of Prince Ivan Baryatinsky Élisabeth Louise Vigée Le Brun (1755-1842)

The portrait presents a young man in three-quarter view, turned slightly towards the viewers left. He is positioned against a dark, indistinct background that allows his figure and attire to dominate the composition. The artist has chosen a close framing, focusing primarily on the subject’s head and shoulders.
Here we see a youthful face characterized by smooth skin, high cheekbones, and a direct gaze. His expression appears thoughtful, perhaps even melancholic; it is not overtly joyful or demonstrative. A slight furrow in his brow suggests an underlying seriousness. The hair, styled in a fashionable manner of the period with loose curls framing his face, contributes to the overall impression of youthful vitality.
The subject’s clothing provides significant clues about his status and personality. He wears a rich blue velvet jacket, its deep color contrasting sharply with the crisp white shirt collar and red waistcoat visible beneath. Elaborate gold embroidery adorns the sleeve, indicating wealth and possibly military service or aristocratic lineage. The way he holds the jacket, casually draped over one shoulder, conveys an air of relaxed confidence rather than rigid formality.
The lighting is carefully orchestrated to highlight the planes of his face and the texture of his clothing. A soft light source illuminates the left side of his face, creating subtle shadows that define his features and add depth to the portrait. The artist’s handling of paint appears relatively loose, particularly in the background and hair, which lends a sense of immediacy and naturalism to the work.
Subtly, the painting suggests an individual poised between youthful exuberance and mature responsibility. The combination of relaxed posture and serious expression hints at a complex character – someone who is both privileged and introspective. The luxurious fabrics and ornamentation underscore his social standing, while the gaze and slight downturn of the mouth suggest a depth of feeling beyond mere outward display.