Artwork

Portrait of Grigory I. Lisanevich (1756-1832)

Portrait of Grigory I. Lisanevich (1756-1832), by Unknown, oil, 1822
Portrait of Grigory I. Lisanevich (1756-1832), by Unknown, oil, 1822

Portrait of Grigory I. Lisanevich (1756-1832) is an oil painting by the Neoclassicist artist Unknown. It dates from 1822 and is held in the collection of the Hermitage Museum. The canvas presents a formally dressed male figure, rendered in oil.

About this work

Overview

The canvas presents a formally dressed male figure, rendered in oil. He wears a dark military coat trimmed with gold epaulettes and a series of medals, set against a warm, muted backdrop. The portrait captures him in a composed pose, his gaze directed outward, conveying a sense of authority and presence.

Subject & Meaning

The sitter is identified as Grigory I. Lisanevich (1756‑1832), a figure of military standing. His serious expression, subtle smile, and direct eye contact suggest a balance between personal dignity and the expectations of his rank, reflecting the conventions of portraiture intended to convey both character and status.

Technique & Style

Executed in oil paint, the work employs chiaroscuro to model the face and uniform, creating contrast between illuminated planes and deeper shadows. Fine brushwork defines facial features—particularly the prominent nose—while broader strokes suggest the texture of the fabric and medals. The muted background serves to focus attention on the sitter without competing for visual weight.

Context

Portraits of military officers in the late 18th and early 19th centuries often emphasized regalia and composure, aligning personal identity with institutional authority. This painting follows that tradition, situating Lisanevich within the visual language of his era, where gold‑adorned epaulettes and medals signaled rank and service.

Artist & collection

Artist

Unknown

entity whose identity is not known

Hermitage Museum

Museum

Hermitage Museum

Continue through works from the same source collection.

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