Artwork

Portrait of Sergey F. Zheltukhin (1776-1833)

Portrait of Sergey F. Zheltukhin (1776-1833), by Unknown, oil, 1822
Portrait of Sergey F. Zheltukhin (1776-1833), by Unknown, oil, 1822

Portrait of Sergey F. Zheltukhin (1776-1833) is an oil painting by the Realist artist Unknown. It dates from 1822 and is held in the collection of the Hermitage Museum. The work is an oil painting titled “Portrait of Sergey F.

About this work

Overview

The work is an oil painting titled “Portrait of Sergey F. Zheltukhin (1776‑1833).” It depicts a seated male figure in a military uniform, rendered against a subdued brown backdrop. The composition centers on the sitter’s direct gaze, conveying a formal, authoritative presence.

Subject & Meaning

Sergey F. Zheltukhin, whose lifespan spanned the late eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries, is presented in full dress uniform. His dark, curly hair, black jacket with gold epaulets, red collar, and an array of medals—including a prominent cross—signify his rank and honors within the Russian military hierarchy.

Technique & Style

Executed in oil on canvas, the portrait employs a restrained palette of darks and muted earth tones, allowing the metallic gleam of the epaulets and medals to stand out. The brushwork is smooth and controlled, emphasizing the crisp details of the uniform while rendering the facial features with a sober realism.

History & Provenance

The painting’s provenance is not detailed in the supplied information. The work is identified by title and medium, suggesting it was likely created during or shortly after Zheltukhin’s lifetime, possibly as a commemorative portrait commissioned by a military or family patron.

Context

Portraits of military officers were common in the Russian Empire, serving both as personal commemorations and as visual records of service. The inclusion of specific insignia and medals reflects the period’s emphasis on rank, decoration, and the visual language of authority.

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.