Artwork

V.A. Morozova

V.A. Morozova, by Konstantin Makovsky, oil, 1892
V.A. Morozova, by Konstantin Makovsky, oil, 1892

V.A. Morozova is an oil painting by the Impressionist artist Konstantin Makovsky. It dates from 1892 and is held in the collection of the Tretyakov Gallery.

About this work

Overview

Konstantin Makovsky painted V.A. Morozova in 1892 with oil on canvas. The work is part of the Tretyakov Gallery’s collection and reflects Makovsky’s activity within the Peredvizhniki circle, although his style often aligns with academic traditions.

Subject & Meaning

The portrait shows a seated woman in a light‑green dress trimmed with gold, her hair gathered in an up‑do, and a pearl necklace framing her calm expression. Her hands rest lightly on her lap, conveying a quiet, refined demeanor that emphasizes personal elegance rather than narrative drama.

Technique & Style

Makovsky employs chiaroscuro to model the figure against a dark background, allowing the illuminated dress and facial features to stand out. The handling of light and color shows an Impressionist influence, while the overall composition retains the precise draftsmanship typical of academic portraiture.

History & Provenance

Since its creation, the painting has remained in Russia, eventually entering the Tretyakov Gallery’s holdings, where it is displayed as part of the museum’s representation of late‑19th‑century Russian portraiture.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Konstantin Makovsky

Artist

Konstantin Makovsky

Konstantin Yegorovich Makovsky (Russian: Константи́н Его́рович Мако́вский; (20 June o.c.) 2 July n.c.

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