Artwork

Portrait of Princess Anastasia Dolgorukaya, née Lodyzhenskaya (1736-1828)

Portrait of Princess Anastasia Dolgorukaya, née Lodyzhenskaya (1736-1828) is an oil painting by the Rococo painting artist David Luders. It dates from 1754 and is held in the collection of the Hermitage Museum.

About this work

Overview

David Luders’ 1754 oil portrait presents Princess Anastasia Dolgorukaya, born Lodyzhenskaya, in a poised half‑length composition. The work is part of the State Hermitage Museum’s collection and exemplifies mid‑18th‑century Russian court portraiture, focusing on the sitter’s refined appearance and dignified bearing.

Subject & Meaning

The portrait captures the young Anastasia, later Princess Dolgorukaya, at the height of her social prominence. Her calm, steady gaze and modest expression convey the ideals of aristocratic poise and virtue expected of a noblewoman in Imperial Russia, while the delicate attire underscores her status.

Technique & Style

Luders employs a smooth, almost polished handling of skin and lace, contrasting with looser brushwork in the fabric’s folds. A dark, unadorned background isolates the figure, enhancing chiaroscuro effects that model the face and emphasize the subtle pink‑cream palette of the low‑cut dress.

History & Provenance

Created in 1754, the painting entered the State Hermitage Museum’s holdings during the 19th‑century consolidation of imperial collections. Its provenance traces back to the Dolgorukov family, reflecting the common practice of preserving noble portraits within Russian state institutions.