Artwork

Catherine Cherkasova (nee Biron)

Catherine Cherkasova (nee Biron), by Joseph Friedrich August Darbes, oil, 1791
Catherine Cherkasova (nee Biron), by Joseph Friedrich August Darbes, oil, 1791

Catherine Cherkasova (nee Biron) is an oil painting by the Rococo painting artist Joseph Friedrich August Darbes. It dates from 1791 and is held in the collection of the Tretyakov Gallery.

About this work

Overview

Joseph Friedrich August Darbes's 1791 oil painting, Catherine Cherkasova (née Biron), is a portrait housed in the Tretyakov Gallery. The work depicts its subject with a solemn demeanor, set against a dark background that accentuates her detailed, expressive face.

Subject & Meaning

The subject, Catherine Cherkasova (née Biron), is portrayed wearing a black dress with a white ruffled collar and a purple bonnet, conveying a sense of subdued elegance. Her direct gaze, paired with a slight frown and visible wrinkles, suggests a portrayal of character over youthful idealization.

Technique & Style

Darbes employed oil paint to achieve a realistic representation. The contrast between the dark background and the meticulously rendered facial features highlights the artist's focus on capturing the subject's likeness and emotional depth.

History & Provenance

Created in 1791, the painting is part of the Tretyakov Gallery's collection, though specific details about its acquisition or earlier ownership are not provided here.

Context

While the painting's context within Darbes's broader oeuvre or the artistic trends of 1791 is not detailed here, it reflects the late 18th-century European tradition of portraiture emphasizing realism and character study.

Legacy

The painting's legacy is not extensively outlined in the provided information, focusing instead on its existence as a representative work of Darbes in a major museum collection.

Artist & collection

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