Who painted Porträt des Grafen Alexej Mussin-Puschkin?

Porträt des Grafen Alexej Mussin-Puschkin was painted by Johann Baptist von Lampi the Elder in 1798.

Where can I see Porträt des Grafen Alexej Mussin-Puschkin?

Porträt des Grafen Alexej Mussin-Puschkin is held by Hermitage Museum.

What movement is Porträt des Grafen Alexej Mussin-Puschkin?

Porträt des Grafen Alexej Mussin-Puschkin is associated with Biedermeier.

Artwork

Porträt des Grafen Alexej Mussin-Puschkin

Johann Baptist von Lampi the Elder , 1798

Porträt des Grafen Alexej Mussin-Puschkin is an oil painting by the Biedermeier artist Johann Baptist von Lampi the Elder. It dates from 1798 and is held in the collection of the Hermitage Museum.

About this work

Overview

Johann Baptist von Lampi the Elder painted the portrait of Count Alexei Mussin-Pushkin in 1798. Executed in oil on canvas, the work shows the Russian noble seated at a desk, his right hand holding a quill. The figure is dressed in a richly embroidered red robe, set against a dark, subtly graded background that gives the scene a sense of depth.

Subject & Meaning

The sitter, Count Alexei Mussin-Pushkin, is presented in a moment of quiet concentration, suggesting his role as a scholar or administrator. The inclusion of a candle, a small box, and an open book on the desk reinforces an atmosphere of study and contemplation, inviting viewers to consider the intellectual pursuits associated with his status.

Technique & Style

Lampi employs a careful handling of light and shadow, creating a chiaroscuro effect that models the folds of the robe and the contours of the face. The fine brushwork captures delicate textures—from the gold trim on the garment to the subtle reflections on the desk objects—while the muted background enhances the three‑dimensional presence of the figure.

History & Provenance

Born in 1751, Lampi moved to the Russian Empire after the third partition of Poland, responding to an invitation from Tsar Paul I. The portrait entered the collection of the State Hermitage Museum, where it remains part of the institution’s holdings of late‑18th‑century European portraiture.

Artist & collection

Artist

Johann Baptist von Lampi the Elder

Johann Baptist von Lampi the Elder (German: Johann Baptist von Lampi der Ältere, Polish: Jan Chrzciciel Lampi; 31 December 1751 – 11 February 1830) was an Austrian-Italian historical and portrait painter.