Who painted Portrait of Princess Zinaida Yusupova (1809/10-1893)(?)?

Portrait of Princess Zinaida Yusupova (1809/10-1893)(?) was painted by Christina Robertson in 1841.

Where can I see Portrait of Princess Zinaida Yusupova (1809/10-1893)(?)?

Portrait of Princess Zinaida Yusupova (1809/10-1893)(?) is held by Hermitage Museum.

What movement is Portrait of Princess Zinaida Yusupova (1809/10-1893)(?)?

Portrait of Princess Zinaida Yusupova (1809/10-1893)(?) is associated with Realism.

Artwork

Portrait of Princess Zinaida Yusupova (1809/10-1893)(?)

Christina Robertson , 1841

Portrait of Princess Zinaida Yusupova (1809/10-1893)(?) is an oil painting by the Realist artist Christina Robertson. It dates from 1841 and is held in the collection of the Hermitage Museum.

About this work

Overview

This portrait, painted in 1841 by Scottish artist Christina Robertson, depicts Princess Zinaida Yusupova, a member of the Russian nobility. Executed in oil, the work exemplifies Robertson's skill within the Academical tradition, for which she was recognized as the first female honorary member of the Royal Scottish Academy.

Subject & Meaning

The subject, Princess Zinaida Yusupova, is portrayed with understated elegance, characterized by a calm demeanor, dark curls, and attire indicative of her noble status, including a lace-trimmed dress and dangling earrings. The overall composition conveys dignity and refinement.

Technique & Style

Robinson's technique is marked by smooth brushstrokes and a palette of soft, yet rich, colors. The subtle play of light on the subject's face, set against a plain dark background, enhances the portrait's realism, aligning it with the Realist movement of the time.

History & Provenance

Created in 1841, the portrait is now part of the State Hermitage Museum's collection, reflecting Robertson's established practice of painting the Russian imperial family and nobility.

Context

Situated within 19th-century portraiture, Robertson's work, including this portrait, contributes to the broader Academical tradition, distinguished by its formal and realistic approach to depicting subjects of high social standing.

Legacy

While specific lasting impacts of this portrait on the broader art historical canon are not prominently documented, it remains a testament to Robertson's contribution to Realist portraiture and her unique position as a female artist within the male-dominated Royal Scottish Academy.

Artist & collection

Artist

Christina Robertson

Christina Robertson RSA (née Saunders; 17 December 1796 – 30 April 1854) was a Scottish painter generally remembered for her portraits of Russian imperial family, representative of Academical tradition.