Where can I see Portrait of Count Konstantin von Benkendorff (1785-1828) (copy)?

Portrait of Count Konstantin von Benkendorff (1785-1828) (copy) is held by Hermitage Museum.

Artwork

Portrait of Count Konstantin von Benkendorff (1785-1828) (copy)

Portrait of Count Konstantin von Benkendorff (1785-1828) (copy) is an oil painting by Unknown. It is held in the collection of the Hermitage Museum. The work is an oil portrait depicting Count Konstantin von Benkendorff (1785‑1828) in full military dress.

About this work

Overview

The work is an oil portrait depicting Count Konstantin von Benkendorff (1785‑1828) in full military dress. He is shown in a dark jacket trimmed with gold epaulettes, a high collar, and a collection of medals and ribbons. A muted, almost black background isolates the figure, emphasizing his solemn expression and the formal details of his attire.

Subject & Meaning

The sitter, a Russian nobleman and officer, is presented with a restrained dignity, his gaze turned to the left and his features rendered with a calm seriousness. The composition underscores his rank and authority, while the restrained palette and lack of ornamental background suggest a focus on personal honor rather than overt propaganda.

Technique & Style

Executed in oil on canvas, the portrait employs a limited tonal range, allowing the gold of the epaulettes and medals to catch the eye against the dark fabric. Fine brushwork defines the texture of the uniform and the sitter’s hair, while broader strokes suggest the depth of the background, creating a subtle chiaroscuro that models the figure.

History & Provenance

The painting is part of the State Hermitage Museum’s collection in St. Petersburg, where it resides alongside a broad array of European and Russian artworks. Its acquisition history reflects the museum’s 19th‑century efforts to assemble portraits of notable figures from the Russian aristocracy and military.

Context

Created during the early 19th century, the portrait aligns with contemporary Russian portraiture that emphasized realistic representation and the social status of the subject. The inclusion of military insignia reflects the period’s valorization of service to the empire, a theme common in aristocratic commissions of the era.