Artwork
Portrait of Count Nikolay Sheremetev
Portrait of Count Nikolay Sheremetev is an oil painting by the Neoclassicist artist Nikolay Argunov. It dates from 1800 and is held in the collection of the Hermitage Museum.
About this work
Overview
Created in 1800, this oil portrait by Nikolay Argunov presents Count Nikolay Sheremetev in a formal civil uniform. The canvas is part of the State Hermitage Museum’s collection, offering a clear example of early‑19th‑century Russian portraiture that emphasizes the sitter’s rank through attire and insignia.
Subject & Meaning
The work depicts the count in his mid‑fifties, his hair turned white, wearing a dark blue coat adorned with gold braid and the Order of St. Andrew star on his chest. The calm expression and restrained pose convey a sense of dignified authority, reflecting the social status and official responsibilities associated with his title.
Technique & Style
Argunov employs a subtle chiaroscuro, allowing light to illuminate the count’s face and shoulders while the background recedes into darkness. Meticulous rendering of metallic elements—gold buttons, embroidered braid, and the medal—creates a tactile contrast that highlights the material richness of the uniform.
History & Provenance
Since its completion, the portrait has remained in Russian hands, ultimately entering the State Hermitage Museum’s holdings. Its presence in the museum’s collection underscores the institution’s role in preserving artworks that document the aristocratic elite of the Russian Empire.
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