Who painted Vladimir Stepanovich Apraksin?

Vladimir Stepanovich Apraksin was painted by Nikifor Krylov in 1829.

Where can I see Vladimir Stepanovich Apraksin?

Vladimir Stepanovich Apraksin is held by Hermitage Museum.

What movement is Vladimir Stepanovich Apraksin?

Vladimir Stepanovich Apraksin is associated with Realism.

Artwork

Vladimir Stepanovich Apraksin

Nikifor Krylov , 1829

Vladimir Stepanovich Apraksin is an oil painting by the Realist artist Nikifor Krylov. It dates from 1829 and is held in the collection of the Hermitage Museum.

About this work

Overview

Created in 1829 by Russian painter Nikifor Krylov, this oil portrait belongs to the realist tradition. It presents Vladimir Stepanovich Apraksin, a senior military figure, rendered with meticulous attention to texture and detail. The work is part of the State Hermitage Museum’s collection, where it is displayed among other 19th‑century Russian artworks.

Subject & Meaning

The sitter is shown in an elaborate uniform of dark cloth trimmed with gold, epaulettes, and an array of medals, indicating high rank and distinguished service. He holds a sword in one hand and a sash in the other, his expression solemn and authoritative, suggesting a portrayal of duty and honor typical of official portraiture of the era.

Technique & Style

Krylov employs oil paint to achieve a convincing surface quality, rendering the sheen of metal buttons and the soft folds of fabric with subtle chiaroscuro. The background is loosely suggested, a hazy landscape that recedes behind the figure, allowing the focus to remain on the precise rendering of the uniform and the sitter’s demeanor.

History & Provenance

After its completion, the portrait entered the imperial collection and eventually became part of the State Hermitage Museum’s holdings. The museum acquired the piece as part of its extensive assemblage of Russian art, preserving it as a representative example of early‑19th‑century portraiture.

Context

The painting reflects the early 1800s Russian military elite, a period when portraiture served both personal commemoration and state propaganda. Krylov, known for both portrait and landscape work, integrates realistic detail with a formal composition, aligning the work with contemporary European realist practices while retaining a distinctly Russian sensibility.