Portrait of A.M. Butlerov

Rzhevskaya employed a predominantly dark color palette, including a mottled grey background, to create a somber mood. The use of oil paint allowed for detailed rendering of Butlerov's features, such as his receding hairline and thick beard.

Created in 1894, the painting is attributed to Rzhevskaya, a rare female figure associated with the Peredvizhniki movement, though her work deviates from the movement's typical themes as it focuses on a specific individual rather than a social or genre scene.

While Rzhevskaya was known for domestic genre scenes, this portrait highlights her capability in capturing individual personalities, potentially reflecting her interest in portraying influential figures of her time.

As part of the State Hermitage Museum's collection, Portrait of A.M. Butlerov contributes to the cultural and historical record of Russian scientific and artistic figures from the late 19th century.