Artwork

Portrait of Andrei Matveyev

Portrait of Andrei Matveyev, by Unknown, oil, 1715
Portrait of Andrei Matveyev, by Unknown, oil, 1715

Portrait of Andrei Matveyev is an oil painting by Unknown. It dates from 1715 and is held in the collection of the Hermitage Museum.

About this work

Overview

The work is an oil painting that depicts a seated man with long, loosely curled hair, dressed in a red jacket opened to show a black vest over a white shirt. His expression is solemn, and the dark background accentuates his facial features through strong contrasts of light and shadow.

Subject & Meaning

The portrait presents an individual, likely Andrei Matveyev, rendered with a serious demeanor. The choice of attire—a vivid red jacket against a muted vest and shirt—may suggest status or personal taste, while the restrained expression conveys a contemplative or dignified presence.

Technique & Style

The artist employs chiaroscuro, using pronounced light and dark areas to model the figure and create a three‑dimensional effect. The oil medium allows for smooth transitions in tone, particularly in the rendering of the hair’s curls and the texture of the fabrics.

History & Provenance

The painting is identified by title as a portrait of Andrei Matveyev. No further details about its creation date, artist, or ownership history are provided in the source material.

Artist & collection

Artist

Unknown

entity whose identity is not known

Hermitage Museum

Museum

Hermitage Museum

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