Who painted Portrait of Paul I?

Portrait of Paul I was painted by Stepan Shchukin in 1798.

Where can I see Portrait of Paul I?

Portrait of Paul I is held by Hermitage Museum.

Can I buy a print of Portrait of Paul I?

Museum-quality prints of Portrait of Paul I are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.

Artwork

Portrait of Paul I

Stepan Shchukin , 1798

Portrait of Paul I is an oil painting by Stepan Shchukin. It dates from 1798 and is held in the collection of the Hermitage Museum. The 1798 oil painting depicts Paul I of Russia in full military regalia.

About this work

Overview

The 1798 oil painting depicts Paul I of Russia in full military regalia. Rendered in a restrained, dark background, the composition centers the monarch, emphasizing his rank and authority through detailed costume and posture. The work is part of the State Hermitage Museum’s collection, representing late‑18th‑century Russian portraiture.

Subject & Meaning

Paul I is shown in a blue coat trimmed with gold buttons, a striped sash, and a tall feathered hat, symbols of his status as a military leader. Medals affixed to his chest reinforce his official honors, while his confident stance—left hand on a cane, right hand holding a folded document—conveys readiness to command and a sense of personal authority.

Technique & Style

Executed in oil on canvas, the portrait employs a limited palette that highlights the luminous fabrics against a muted backdrop. Fine brushwork renders the texture of the coat and the sheen of the medals, while subtle chiaroscuro models the figure’s features, creating a realistic yet formal representation typical of Russian court portraiture of the period.

History & Provenance

The painting was created by Stepan Semyonovich Shchukin, a St. Petersburg‑based artist active from the late 1700s through the early 1800s. Shchukin worked under the reigns of Catherine the Great, Paul I, Alexander I and Nicholas I, establishing a reputation as a portraitist for the imperial elite. The work entered the State Hermitage Museum’s holdings, where it remains on display.

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Artist & collection

Artist

Stepan Shchukin

Stepan Semyonovich Shchukin (Russian: Степан Семёнович Щукин; 1754, Moscow – 10 October 1828, Saint Petersburg) was a Russian painter, active in St.

Museum

Hermitage Museum

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