Artwork

Portrait of Count D.A. Zubov

Portrait of Count D.A. Zubov, by Apollinary Goravsky, oil, 1863
Portrait of Count D.A. Zubov, by Apollinary Goravsky, oil, 1863

Portrait of Count D.A. Zubov is an oil painting by the Realist artist Apollinary Goravsky. It dates from 1863 and is held in the collection of the Hermitage Museum. Portrait of Count D.

About this work

This portrait painting depicts a man with curly hair, dressed in a black coat over a white shirt. The background is a muted brown color.

The man's attire and the style of the painting suggest that it may be from the 19th century. The artist has used oil paint to create a detailed and realistic image.

To learn more about the artist behind this portrait, look up Apollinary Goravsky.

Overview

Portrait of Count D.A. Zubov is an 1863 oil painting by Apollinary Goravsky, a Belarusian-born Polish artist working in St. Petersburg. The work exemplifies the Realist style, rendering a detailed, lifelike portrait of its subject against a subdued background.

Subject & Meaning

The painting's subject is Count D.A. Zubov, depicted in formal attire consisting of a black coat over a white shirt, with curly hair. The composition focuses on capturing the likeness and demeanor of the count.

Technique & Style

Goravsky employed oil paint to achieve a high level of realism, characteristic of the movement. The muted brown background contrasts with the subject's detailed, sharply defined features and clothing.

History & Provenance

Created in 1863, the portrait is now part of the State Hermitage Museum's collection in St. Petersburg.

Context

The painting reflects the prevalent Realist aesthetic of 19th-century European art, emphasizing accuracy and everyday subjects. Goravsky's work within the St. Petersburg art scene of the time further contextualizes the piece.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Apollinary Goravsky

Artist

Apollinary Goravsky

Apolinary Horawski (also spelled Gorawski; Belarusian: Апалінарый Гіляравіч Гараўскі; Russian: Аполлинарий Гиляриевич Горавский; 23 January 1833 – 28 March 1900) was a Belarusian-born Polish painter active mainly in St. Petersburg.

Hermitage Museum

Museum

Hermitage Museum

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This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: Hermitage Museum open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.