Portrait of Dmitry Prokofievich Troshchinsky Vladimir Borovikovsky (1757-1825)

The portrait presents a man seated in what appears to be a formal setting, rendered with considerable attention to detail and a traditional approach to composition. The subject dominates the foreground, positioned slightly off-center against a backdrop that suggests both interior space and an expansive exterior view.
Here we see a gentleman of advanced years; his face is marked by age, exhibiting a network of wrinkles and a somewhat stern expression. His hair is predominantly white, neatly styled, and framing a countenance that conveys authority and perhaps a degree of weariness. He wears a dark double-breasted coat over lighter trousers, the uniform suggesting a position of some importance within a hierarchical structure. Several medals and decorations are prominently displayed on his chest, signifying military or civil service honors. His hands rest upon an open book and a quill pen placed atop a small table to his left, hinting at intellectual pursuits or administrative duties.
The background is layered, creating depth and providing contextual clues. A sculpted figure of a woman holding what appears to be a shield stands adjacent to the subject, possibly symbolizing justice or protection. Below her, a smaller sculpture depicting children with writing implements reinforces the theme of learning and legacy. Through an arched opening in the wall behind him, one glimpses a coastal landscape – a harbor filled with ships under a cloudy sky. This vista introduces a sense of scale and suggests connection to broader geopolitical concerns or maritime activity.
The lighting is carefully orchestrated; it illuminates the subject’s face and chest, drawing attention to his features and insignia while leaving portions of the background in shadow. The color palette is restrained, dominated by dark blues, browns, and grays, with touches of gold from the medals and highlights on the fabric.
Subtly, the painting conveys a sense of established status and experience. The deliberate arrangement of objects – the book, quill, sculptures – suggests an individual who values knowledge, tradition, and public service. The coastal view in the background implies involvement with matters beyond personal affairs, perhaps hinting at responsibility for larger concerns. The overall impression is one of a man who has lived a life of purpose and achievement, marked by both dignity and the weight of years.