Artwork

Portrait of Vasily Sushkov

Portrait of Vasily Sushkov, by Unknown, oil, 1805
Portrait of Vasily Sushkov, by Unknown, oil, 1805

Portrait of Vasily Sushkov is an oil painting by Unknown. It dates from 1805 and is held in the collection of the Hermitage Museum.

About this work

Overview

The work is an oil painting titled Portrait of Vasily Sushkov. It presents a male figure in formal military dress, rendered in a realistic manner. The composition focuses on the sitter, whose posture and attire convey authority and distinction.

Subject & Meaning

The portrait shows a man with short, curly hair, wearing a red military jacket trimmed with gold epaulets, a black collar, a white shirt, and a black vest. A prominent gold medal with a central white star hangs around his neck, indicating a high rank and possibly commemorating notable service.

Technique & Style

Executed in oil on canvas, the artist employs careful modeling of light to highlight the textures of the fabric and metal. The contrast between the vivid red of the coat and the dark accessories emphasizes the figure’s uniform, while subtle brushwork suggests the sheen of the medal and the folds of the clothing.

History & Provenance

The painting is identified by its title as a portrait of Vasily Sushkov, though specific details about its creation date, artist, or ownership history are not provided in the available information.

Context

Military portraiture of this type often served to document the status and achievements of officers, reinforcing hierarchical structures within the armed forces. The inclusion of a gold medal with a white star aligns with common visual symbols used to denote commendation.

Legacy

While the work’s broader influence is not recorded, it remains a visual record of a distinguished individual’s appearance and rank, contributing to the visual archive of military portraiture.

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.