Portrait of Favst Petrovich Makerovsky in a fancy dress Dmitry Levitsky (Levitzky) (1735-1822)

The composition presents a young boy positioned centrally within the frame, his gaze directed towards the viewer with a detached neutrality. He is dressed in elaborate attire that appears theatrical and somewhat incongruous for a straightforward portrait. A voluminous red cape drapes over his shoulders, its folds dramatically rendered to suggest movement and dynamism. Beneath this, he wears a green velvet jacket adorned with delicate lace at the cuffs and collar, paired with burgundy breeches and matching shoes. The headwear – a broad-brimmed hat embellished with feathers and plumes – further contributes to the overall impression of costume or performance.
The artist employed a dark, muted palette dominated by deep greens, reds, and browns, which creates an atmosphere of solemnity and perhaps even a touch of melancholy. Light falls selectively upon the boy’s face and upper torso, highlighting his features while leaving much of the background shrouded in shadow. This contrast draws immediate attention to the subject and emphasizes his isolation within the composition.
The landscape visible through the darkness behind him is indistinct, suggesting a sense of detachment from reality or perhaps hinting at an idealized, imagined setting. The boy’s posture – one hand extended slightly forward as if offering something or gesturing towards an unseen presence – adds another layer of ambiguity to the scene. It could be interpreted as an invitation, a plea, or simply a pose adopted for the occasion.
Subtly, the painting seems to explore themes of identity and performance. The boy’s elaborate costume suggests a constructed persona, raising questions about authenticity and the roles individuals adopt in society. His expression, devoid of overt emotion, further complicates this reading; it is difficult to discern whether he embodies confidence, resignation, or something else entirely. The overall effect is one of carefully staged artifice, inviting contemplation on the boundaries between childhood innocence and adult sophistication, reality and representation.