Who painted Portrait of Nikolai Koksharov?

Portrait of Nikolai Koksharov was painted by Nikolay Florianovich Dobrovolsky in 1894.

Where can I see Portrait of Nikolai Koksharov?

Portrait of Nikolai Koksharov is held by Hermitage Museum.

What movement is Portrait of Nikolai Koksharov?

Portrait of Nikolai Koksharov is associated with Realism.

Artwork

Portrait of Nikolai Koksharov

Nikolay Florianovich Dobrovolsky , 1894

Portrait of Nikolai Koksharov is an oil painting by the Realist artist Nikolay Florianovich Dobrovolsky. It dates from 1894 and is held in the collection of the Hermitage Museum.

About this work

Overview

Nikolay Florianovich Dobrovolsky’s oil portrait, completed in 1894, depicts Nikolai Koksharov, an elderly gentleman with a white moustache and spectacles. The work is part of the State Hermitage Museum’s collection. The composition centers the sitter against a muted backdrop, emphasizing his features through careful lighting.

Subject & Meaning

The portrait presents Koksharov as a thoughtful, perhaps scholarly figure, his gaze directed inward. The inclusion of a small object in his hand—likely a document or book—suggests intellectual pursuits or a professional role, while his attire and demeanor convey a sense of dignity and experience.

Technique & Style

Dobrovolsky employs a pronounced chiaroscuro effect, with illumination falling from above to render the face luminous against a darker surrounding. This contrast heightens the three‑dimensionality of the subject, while the restrained palette of dark clothing and background focuses attention on the sitter’s expression.

History & Provenance

Created in the late nineteenth century, the painting entered the State Hermitage Museum’s holdings, where it remains on display. Its acquisition reflects the museum’s broader effort to document Russian portraiture of the period, preserving Dobrovolsky’s contribution to the genre.

Context

The work belongs to a tradition of Russian portraiture that emphasized realistic representation and psychological depth. Executed during a time of cultural transition in Russia, the painting aligns with contemporary European influences while retaining a distinctly Russian sensibility in its subject matter and execution.