Who painted Portrait of Count Piotr Valuyev?

Portrait of Count Piotr Valuyev was painted by Georg von Bothmann in 1891.

Where can I see Portrait of Count Piotr Valuyev?

Portrait of Count Piotr Valuyev is held by Hermitage Museum.

What movement is Portrait of Count Piotr Valuyev?

Portrait of Count Piotr Valuyev is associated with Realism.

Artwork

Portrait of Count Piotr Valuyev

Georg von Bothmann , 1891

Portrait of Count Piotr Valuyev is an oil painting by the Realist artist Georg von Bothmann. It dates from 1891 and is held in the collection of the Hermitage Museum.

About this work

Overview

Georg von Bothmann’s oil portrait, executed in 1891, presents Count Piotr Valuyev seated at a table. The work is part of the State Hermitage Museum’s collection in Saint Petersburg. Rendered in a realistic manner, the painting captures the count in formal dress, surrounded by symbols of rank and learning.

Subject & Meaning

The sitter wears a black coat richly embroidered in gold, a blue sash, and a series of medals, indicating a high‑ranking military or civil position. He holds a black hat with gold trim, placed on a red‑covered table, while an open book lies nearby, suggesting an association with duty, scholarship, or official documentation.

Technique & Style

Bothmann employs chiaroscuro, juxtaposing illuminated areas of the figure and accessories against a darker background to model volume. Fine brushwork renders the metallic sheen of the medals and the texture of the embroidered fabric, while the soft handling of the book’s pages adds a subtle contrast between the tactile surfaces.

History & Provenance

Since its creation, the portrait has remained in Russian public collections, ultimately entering the State Hermitage Museum. The museum’s acquisition records indicate the work has been displayed as part of the institution’s holdings of 19th‑century Russian portraiture, reflecting its relevance to the period’s aristocratic visual culture.