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Artwork

Portrait of Prince Alexander Kurakin

Élisabeth Louise Vigée Le Brun , 1799

Portrait of Prince Alexander Kurakin, by Élisabeth Louise Vigée Le Brun, oil, 1799
Portrait of Prince Alexander Kurakin, by Élisabeth Louise Vigée Le Brun, oil, 1799

Portrait of Prince Alexander Kurakin is an oil painting by the Rococo painting artist Élisabeth Louise Vigée Le Brun. It dates from 1799 and is held in the collection of the Hermitage Museum.

About this work

Overview

The Portrait of Prince Alexander Kurakin is an oil painting created by French artist Élisabeth Louise Vigée Le Brun in 1799. It is now part of the State Hermitage Museum's collection.

Subject & Meaning

The painting depicts Prince Alexander Kurakin in a formal military attire, adorned with gold embroidery, a red sash, and a medal, signifying his high status and possible military or governmental role.

Technique & Style

Vigée Le Brun employed soft shadows to create a three-dimensional effect on the subject's face. The use of oil paint allowed for detailed rendering of the prince's elaborate outfit against a plain dark background.

Context

Vigée Le Brun was a prominent portrait painter during the late 18th and early 19th centuries, working during the stylistic transition from Rococo to Neoclassicism.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Élisabeth Louise Vigée Le Brun

Artist

Élisabeth Louise Vigée Le Brun

Élisabeth Louise Vigée Le Brun (French: ; née Vigée; 16 April 1755 – 30 March 1842), also known as Louise Élisabeth Vigée Le Brun or simply Madame Le Brun, was a French painter who mostly specialized in portrait…

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.In the collection of Hermitage Museum. Compiled & edited by , Editor & Founder.