Who painted Porträt des Nikolay Ivanovich Saltykov (1736-1816)?

Porträt des Nikolay Ivanovich Saltykov (1736-1816) was painted by Martin Ferdinand Quadal in 1807.

Where can I see Porträt des Nikolay Ivanovich Saltykov (1736-1816)?

Porträt des Nikolay Ivanovich Saltykov (1736-1816) is held by Hermitage Museum.

What movement is Porträt des Nikolay Ivanovich Saltykov (1736-1816)?

Porträt des Nikolay Ivanovich Saltykov (1736-1816) is associated with Realism.

Artwork

Porträt des Nikolay Ivanovich Saltykov (1736-1816)

Martin Ferdinand Quadal , 1807

Porträt des Nikolay Ivanovich Saltykov (1736-1816) is an unspecified painting by the Realist artist Martin Ferdinand Quadal. It dates from 1807 and is held in the collection of the Hermitage Museum.

About this work

Overview

Martin Ferdinand Quadal’s 1807 oil portrait presents Nikolay Ivanovich Saltykov, a senior Russian military figure, in a restrained composition. The sitter is rendered with white hair, a blue uniform trimmed in gold, and a blue sash, his gaze directed straight at the viewer. A muted gray backdrop isolates the subject, emphasizing his dignified expression and the array of medals adorning his chest.

Subject & Meaning

Saltykov, who lived from 1736 to 1816, held high command in the Russian army during a period of imperial expansion. The portrait’s formal pose, military attire, and visible decorations underscore his rank and service, while the sober expression conveys the gravitas associated with his public duties. The work functions as both a personal likeness and a visual record of state authority.

Technique & Style

Quadal employs a realistic approach characteristic of the Austrian school, using precise brushwork to delineate the textures of fabric, metal, and hair. The limited palette—dominant blues, golds, and a neutral background—creates a harmonious balance, while subtle chiaroscuro models the figure’s features, lending a three‑dimensional presence without excessive dramatization.

History & Provenance

Born Martin Ferdinand Chvátal in 1736, Quadal traveled widely across Europe, working in England, Italy, Austria, the Netherlands, Germany, France, and Russia before settling in St. Petersburg. The portrait entered the State Hermitage Museum’s collection, where it remains part of the institution’s holdings of early‑19th‑century Russian portraiture.