Portrait of the poet Mikhail Lermontov Peter Zabolotsky (1803-1866)

This is a formal portrait of a young man, attributed to the artist V. A. Tropinin, depicting the renowned Russian poet Mikhail Lermontov.

What I see:

The painting showcases Lermontov in a dark, possibly blue, military uniform with red ornate detailing on the sleeves and collar. His jacket is a vibrant red, heavily embellished with intricate gold braiding and numerous brass buttons running vertically down the chest. A fur collar, likely black, adds a touch of luxury and warmth to the attire. He is also adorned with a decorative gold aiguillette draped across his chest. His hair is dark and styled with a side part, and he has a delicate mustache and a hint of a beard. His gaze is direct, looking towards the viewer with a slightly melancholic or contemplative expression. The background is a somber, dark gray, which serves to emphasize the subject and his striking uniform. The painting exhibits fine cracks in the paint, characteristic of age.

Subtexts:

• Military Identity and Duality: Lermontov was a military officer, and the uniform signifies his status and career. However, it also highlights a potential duality in his life – the disciplined soldier versus the passionate and free-spirited poet. The ornate nature of the uniform might suggest a romanticized view of military service or even a sense of theatricality associated with it.
• Youthful Melancholy and Intensity: The poets expression, combined with his youth, evokes a sense of romantic idealism and perhaps the ennui or world-weariness often associated with Romantic heroes. His direct gaze suggests introspection and a deep inner world that he poured into his poetry.
• Social Standing and Aristocracy: The rich fabric, fur, and elaborate gold braiding of the uniform suggest Lermontovs aristocratic background and his position within Russian society. Portraits of this era were often commissioned by the wealthy and prominent, and the affluent attire reinforces this.
• Artistic Representation of a Literary Figure: As a portrait of a celebrated poet, the painting serves to immortalize his image and associate him with his artistic contributions. It aims to capture not just his physical likeness but also, ideally, some essence of his personality and poetic spirit. The formal, almost stoic presentation might be a way to convey his seriousness as an artist and thinker.