Artwork

Portrait of P.I. Vyrubov

Portrait of P.I. Vyrubov, by Fyodor Rokotov, oil, 1781
Portrait of P.I. Vyrubov, by Fyodor Rokotov, oil, 1781

Portrait of P.I. Vyrubov is an oil painting by the Rococo painting artist Fyodor Rokotov. It dates from 1781 and is held in the collection of the Tretyakov Gallery.

About this work

Overview

Created around 1781 by Fyodor Rokotov, *Portrait of P.I. Vyrubov* is an oil painting exemplifying the refined portraiture of the late Rococo period. It is part of the Tretyakov Gallery's collection.

Subject & Meaning

The subject, P.I. Vyrubov, is portrayed in a posture conveying comfort and dignity. His attire, a brown velvet suit, indicates his social standing. The emphasis on his illuminated face suggests a focus on his personality and character.

Technique & Style

Rokotov employs chiaroscuro to accentuate Vyrubov's features against a dark background, enhancing the sense of elegance. The overall style aligns with Rokotov's established Rococo approach, characterized by refinement and attention to detail.

History & Provenance

Fyodor Rokotov, born into serfdom in 1736, trained at the Saint Petersburg Academy of Arts. After gaining freedom in the 1750s, he became a prominent portraitist. This work is a product of his mature period.

Context

As a leading Russian Rococo artist, Rokotov's *Portrait of P.I. Vyrubov* reflects the aesthetic preferences of the late 18th-century Russian elite, emphasizing sophistication and personal expression.

Artist & collection

Artist

Fyodor Rokotov

Fyodor Stepanovich Rokotov (Fedor Rokotov) (Russian: Фёдор Степа́нович Ро́котов; 1736 – December 24, 1808) was a Russian painter who specialized in portraits.

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