Who painted Portrait of Anna Obolenskaya?

Portrait of Anna Obolenskaya was painted by Carolus-Duran in 1894.

Where can I see Portrait of Anna Obolenskaya?

Portrait of Anna Obolenskaya is held by Hermitage Museum.

What movement is Portrait of Anna Obolenskaya?

Portrait of Anna Obolenskaya is associated with Impressionism.

Artwork

Portrait of Anna Obolenskaya

Carolus-Duran , 1894

Portrait of Anna Obolenskaya is an oil painting by the Impressionist artist Carolus-Duran. It dates from 1894 and is held in the collection of the Hermitage Museum. Created in 1894, this oil portrait by Carolus‑Duran depicts Anna Obolenskaya.

About this work

Overview

Created in 1894, this oil portrait by Carolus‑Duran depicts Anna Obolenskaya. The work is part of the State Hermitage Museum’s collection and presents a single figure rendered in a restrained composition that emphasizes the sitter’s presence.

Subject & Meaning

The painting shows a woman dressed in a deep red gown, her hair neatly pulled back, holding a modest bouquet of white blossoms. The attire and the flowers suggest a formal, perhaps celebratory occasion, while the direct, calm pose conveys dignity and poise.

Technique & Style

Duran employs a smooth, almost polished brushwork to model the folds of the red fabric, allowing the texture to catch light subtly. A dark, non‑descriptive background isolates the figure, and a careful balance of light and shadow—chiaroscuro—adds depth and three‑dimensionality to the sitter’s form.

History & Provenance

The portrait was painted in the late nineteenth century, a period when Duran was known for his society portraits. After its creation, the work entered the collection of the State Hermitage Museum, where it remains on display as part of the museum’s Russian and European holdings.