Artwork

Portrait of H. Lazarev

Portrait of H. Lazarev, by Ivan Tyurin, oil, 1872
Portrait of H. Lazarev, by Ivan Tyurin, oil, 1872

Portrait of H. Lazarev is an oil painting by the Realist artist Ivan Tyurin. It dates from 1872 and is held in the collection of the Hermitage Museum.

About this work

Overview

Ivan Tyurin’s oil portrait, dated 1872, presents a mature gentleman seated in a red armchair. The figure is dressed in a dark suit with a white cravat, his hands resting on the chair’s arms, and his expression is composed yet slightly solemn. The composition is set against an unadorned dark background that directs attention to the sitter.

Subject & Meaning

The work depicts an individual identified as H. Lazarev, whose attire and demeanor suggest a person of respectable standing in late‑19th‑century Russian society. The restrained facial expression and dignified posture convey a sense of personal gravitas, while the contrast between the vivid chair and the muted surroundings may hint at the sitter’s inner life or social prominence.

Technique & Style

Tyurin employs a smooth, refined brushwork that renders subtle gradations of light across the subject’s face and clothing. Soft shadows model the features, and the dark tonal palette is punctuated by the bright red of the armchair, creating a focal point. The overall handling reflects the academic portrait tradition prevalent in Russian art of the period.

History & Provenance

Created in 1872, the portrait entered the collection of the State Hermitage Museum, where it remains on display. The museum’s acquisition of the piece situates it among a broader assemblage of Russian portraiture, offering insight into the artistic output of Tyurin and his contemporaries.

Artist & collection

Artist

Ivan Tyurin

Ivan Tyurin (1824–1904) was an artist, born in Ardatovsky Uyezd.

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.