Z.Volkonskaya by O.Kiprenskiy (1830, Hermitage)

Orest Adamovich Kiprensky (1782-1836) was a prominent Russian portrait painter of the Romantic period. He was born into a family of serfs in the village of Koporye near St Petersburg, Russia. Despite his humble beginnings, Kiprensky's talent was recognised early and he received his artistic training at the Imperial Academy of Arts in St Petersburg. Kiprensky gained recognition for his emotionally expressive and psychologically insightful portraits, which captured the inner lives of his subjects. His works often depicted prominent figures of his time, including members of the Russian aristocracy and literary figures such as Alexander Pushkin. One of his most famous paintings is 'Portrait of Alexander Pushkin' (1827), which depicts the famous Russian poet with a contemplative expression. This portrait is considered one of the definitive representations of Pushkin and has become an iconic image in Russian culture. Kiprensky's artistic career took him to Europe, where he painted portraits of various dignitaries and members of European royalty. He spent time in Italy, France and Switzerland, absorbing different artistic influences and styles. Despite his success as a portraitist, Kiprensky struggled with personal and financial difficulties throughout his life. He died in Rome in 1836, leaving behind a significant body of work that continues to be admired for its emotional depth and technical skill. Kiprensky's legacy in Russian art is enduring, and he is regarded as one of the most important portrait painters of the early 19th century in Russia. His works are held in major museums and collections around the world, including the State Tretyakov Gallery in Moscow and the State Hermitage Museum in St Petersburg.