Who painted Portrait of N.N.Bantysh-Kamensky?

Portrait of N.N.Bantysh-Kamensky was painted by Nikolay Argunov in 1811.

Where can I see Portrait of N.N.Bantysh-Kamensky?

Portrait of N.N.Bantysh-Kamensky is held by Hermitage Museum.

What movement is Portrait of N.N.Bantysh-Kamensky?

Portrait of N.N.Bantysh-Kamensky is associated with Realism.

Artwork

Portrait of N.N.Bantysh-Kamensky

Nikolay Argunov , 1811

Portrait of N.N.Bantysh-Kamensky is an oil painting by the Realist artist Nikolay Argunov. It dates from 1811 and is held in the collection of the Hermitage Museum.

About this work

Overview

Nikolay Argunov’s oil portrait, dated 1811, depicts an elderly male figure in full military regalia. The canvas is dominated by a stark black background that isolates the sitter, emphasizing his white‑hair, solemn visage. The work is part of the State Hermitage Museum’s collection, representing early‑19th‑century Russian portraiture.

Subject & Meaning

The subject is a senior officer, identifiable by his dark blue uniform trimmed with gold embroidery, a red sash, and a prominently displayed gold medal. His austere expression and upright posture convey authority and dignity, suggesting the portrait was intended to honor his service and rank within the imperial army.

Technique & Style

Argunov employs chiaroscuro, allowing a light source from the left to model the facial features and the folds of the uniform, creating a three‑dimensional effect against the flat black backdrop. The precise rendering of the embroidered details and the subtle gradations of tone reflect the academic standards of Russian portrait painting of the period.

History & Provenance

Completed in 1811, the painting entered the State Hermitage Museum’s holdings, where it remains on display. Its acquisition history is not extensively documented, but its presence in the Hermitage situates the work within the museum’s broader collection of early 19th‑century Russian art.