Portrait of Prince Alexei Dolgoruky Vladimir Borovikovsky (1757-1825)

The portrait presents a man in formal attire against a dark, almost featureless background. He is positioned slightly off-center, gazing directly at the viewer with a measured expression. The lighting emphasizes his face and upper torso, leaving the lower portion of his body and the surface he rests upon largely obscured.
Here we see a carefully constructed image intended to convey status and authority. The man’s clothing is meticulously rendered: a dark military-style coat adorned with elaborate gold embroidery on the cuffs and richly colored sashes bearing multiple orders and decorations. These insignia are not merely decorative; they serve as visual markers of rank, service, and privilege within a hierarchical system. The crispness of the collar and the precise rendering of the facial hair suggest an attention to detail indicative of both the sitter’s self-regard and the artists skill.
The man holds a folded sheet of paper in his right hand, positioned near his chest. This gesture is ambiguous; it could signify official correspondence, a document of importance, or simply be a prop intended to add an air of intellectualism or responsibility. The lack of any visible inscription on the paper prevents a definitive interpretation.
The artist has employed a restrained palette dominated by dark tones – black, deep red, and muted gold – which contribute to a sense of solemnity and gravitas. The limited color range focuses attention squarely on the individual’s face and the symbols of his position. The greyish-blue tint of the hair, while seemingly naturalistic, also contributes to the overall coolness and formality of the composition.
The gaze is particularly significant. It establishes a direct connection with the viewer, suggesting confidence and perhaps even a subtle challenge. This unwavering eye contact reinforces the sitter’s authority and invites contemplation on his character and role within society. The absence of any overt emotional display further enhances this impression of controlled power and self-assurance.

The painting appears to be an exercise in portraying not just physical likeness but also social standing, embodying ideals of nobility and duty prevalent in a specific historical context.