Portrait of the Governor-General of the Orenburg Territory Prince Grigory Semenovich Volkonsky Vladimir Borovikovsky (1757-1825)

The portrait presents a man in formal attire, positioned against a dark, indistinct background that emphasizes his figure and features. He is depicted from the chest up, angled slightly towards the viewer, creating a sense of direct engagement. The lighting focuses primarily on his face, highlighting the texture of his skin and emphasizing the lines etched by age and experience.
The man’s expression is complex; it conveys both authority and a certain weariness. His gaze is steady, suggesting intelligence and perhaps a degree of introspection. A faint smile plays on his lips, hinting at an underlying sense of humor or resignation. The hair, receding from the forehead, is neatly styled, reflecting the conventions of aristocratic portraiture.
He wears a dark military-style coat with a high collar lined in red – a detail that draws attention to the neck and upper chest area. A prominent star-shaped order is pinned to his breast, signifying his rank and status within the empire. His left hand rests on a thick volume bound in leather, suggesting erudition or administrative responsibility; it’s positioned as if he has just set it down, implying an interruption of intellectual pursuits.
The overall composition conveys a sense of gravitas and established power. The dark background serves to isolate the subject, reinforcing his importance and creating a formal atmosphere. The choice of pose – the hand on the book, the direct gaze – suggests a man who is both learned and in control, yet also burdened by responsibility. Theres an underlying feeling of quiet dignity, hinting at a life lived within the constraints of duty and social expectation.