Artwork

Porträt des Christoph Johann Friedrich Graf von Medem (1763-1838)

Porträt des Christoph Johann Friedrich Graf von Medem (1763-1838) is an oil painting by the Neoclassicist artist Anton Graff. It dates from 1798 and is held in the collection of the Hermitage Museum.

About this work

Overview

Porträt des Christoph Johann Friedrich Graf von Medem is an 1798 oil painting by Anton Graff, depicting the Baltic German nobleman Christoph Johann Friedrich Graf von Medem. Executed in the Neoclassical style, the work emphasizes clarity and restrained detail.

Subject & Meaning

The subject, Christoph Johann Friedrich Graf von Medem (1763-1838), is portrayed with symbols of his status: a dark, formal attire, powdered hair, and three medals indicating official honors or ranks. The overall composition conveys dignity and composure.

Technique & Style

Graff employed smooth brushstrokes and soft, focused lighting (reminiscent of chiaroscuro principles) to create a polished, calm appearance. The plain background further emphasizes the subject, aligning with Neoclassical principles of understated elegance.

History & Provenance

Created in 1798, the painting is now part of the State Hermitage Museum's collection.

Artist & collection

Artist

Anton Graff

Anton Graff (18 November 1736 – 22 June 1813) was a Swiss portrait artist. Among his famous subjects were Friedrich Schiller, Christoph Willibald Gluck, Heinrich von Kleist, Frederick the Great, Friederike Sophie…