Artwork

Портрет неизвестного в зелёном кафтане

Портрет неизвестного в зелёном кафтане, by Fyodor Rokotov, oil, 1770
Портрет неизвестного в зелёном кафтане, by Fyodor Rokotov, oil, 1770

Портрет неизвестного в зелёном кафтане is an oil painting by the Rococo painting artist Fyodor Rokotov. It dates from 1770 and is held in the collection of the Tretyakov Gallery.

About this work

Overview

Painted in 1770 with oil, *Portrait of an Unknown Man in a Green Coat* is a work by Fyodor Rokotov, a Russian artist who rose to prominence after gaining his freedom from serfdom.

Subject & Meaning

The subject, a man of discernible social standing, is portrayed with a serious expression, dressed formally in a dark jacket and red vest, his gaze direct. His attire and demeanor suggest a deliberate presentation of status.

Technique & Style

Executed in the Rococo style, the painting showcases Rokotov's mastery of capturing individual likeness. The use of oil paint imparts depth and texture, while the overall aesthetic balances ornateness with refinement.

History & Provenance

Created after Rokotov's emancipation and graduation from the Saint Petersburg Academy of Arts, the painting reflects his established career as a portraitist of fashionable society.

Context

Emerging from 18th-century Russia, the work situates Rokotov within the European Rococo movement, adapting its characteristics to portray the emerging elite of his time.

Legacy

While the subject remains unidentified, the portrait stands as a testament to Rokotov's skill in conveying social nuances through portraiture, contributing to his legacy as a prominent Russian portrait painter.

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.