Artwork

Count Andrey Kyrillovich Razumovsky

Count Andrey Kyrillovich Razumovsky, by Alexander Roslin, oil, 1788
Count Andrey Kyrillovich Razumovsky, by Alexander Roslin, oil, 1788

Count Andrey Kyrillovich Razumovsky is an oil painting by the Rococo painting artist Alexander Roslin. It dates from 1788 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Victoria.

About this work

The painting depicts a man with white hair, dressed in a green jacket with red trim and gold accents.

The painting depicts a man with white hair, dressed in a green jacket with red trim and gold accents. He wears a black turtleneck underneath, and his gaze is directed to the right.

The man's attire suggests a formal or official setting, possibly from the 18th century. The artist's use of color and detail adds depth to the portrait.

For more information on the artist behind this work, look up Alexander Roslin.

Overview

Created in 1788, this oil-on-canvas portrait presents Count Andrey Kyrillovich Razumovsky, a Russian nobleman, rendered by the Swedish painter Alexander Roslin. The composition centers the sitter, whose white hair and dignified expression convey a sense of authority. The work is part of the National Gallery of Victoria’s collection, where it exemplifies late‑18th‑century aristocratic portraiture.

Subject & Meaning

The figure is shown in a formal green jacket trimmed in red and gold, over a black turtleneck, his gaze turned to the right. The attire and composed demeanor suggest a public or diplomatic role, reflecting the count’s status within the Russian imperial hierarchy. Roslin’s careful rendering of facial features conveys both the sitter’s age and his poised confidence.

Technique & Style

Roslin employs a refined Rococo palette, balancing luminous skin tones with the deep hues of the jacket. Fine brushwork delineates the texture of silk and embroidered details, while subtle chiaroscuro models the facial planes. The artist’s skill in capturing the sheen of fabric and the sparkle of gold accents demonstrates his expertise in rendering luxurious materiality.

History & Provenance

After its completion, the portrait remained in private hands before entering the National Gallery of Victoria, where it is displayed among other European works of the period. The painting’s provenance traces a path from the Russian aristocracy through European collectors, illustrating the cross‑cultural circulation of portraiture in the late 1700s.

Context

Roslin, active across Europe, was renowned for his portraits of high‑ranking patrons, blending Swedish sensibility with the decorative elegance of the Rococo. This work aligns with his broader oeuvre, which often emphasized psychological insight alongside meticulous rendering of clothing, catering to the tastes of an elite clientele seeking to affirm their social rank through art.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Alexander Roslin

Artist

Alexander Roslin

Alexander Roslin (pronounced ; spelled Alexandre in French, pronounced ; 15 July 1718 – 5 July 1793) was a Swedish painter who worked in Scania, Bayreuth, Paris, Italy, Warsaw and St.