Who painted Portrait of Mikhail Lermontov?

Portrait of Mikhail Lermontov was painted by Unknown in 1866.

Where can I see Portrait of Mikhail Lermontov?

Portrait of Mikhail Lermontov is held by Hermitage Museum.

Artwork

Portrait of Mikhail Lermontov

Portrait of Mikhail Lermontov is an oil painting by Unknown. It dates from 1866 and is held in the collection of the Hermitage Museum. The work is an oil painting portraying a man in a dark, glossy military coat adorned with silver buttons and epaulettes.

About this work

Overview

The work is an oil painting portraying a man in a dark, glossy military coat adorned with silver buttons and epaulettes. He has short dark hair, a serious gaze, and looks directly at the viewer. The composition is set against an unadorned, dark background that concentrates attention on his face and uniform.

Technique & Style

The artist employs thick, impasto brushwork, especially evident on the coat, creating a tactile surface. Light falls on the subject’s face, producing a chiaroscuro effect that isolates the features while the surrounding areas remain in shadow, enhancing the three‑dimensional presence of the figure.

Subject & Meaning

The sitter appears to be a military officer, suggested by the formal coat, silver insignia, and epaulettes. The solemn expression and direct stare convey a sense of duty and authority, typical of portraiture intended to emphasize rank and personal gravitas.

Context

Rendered in oil, the painting follows a tradition of 19th‑century portraiture that used dramatic lighting to highlight status and character. The plain, dark backdrop aligns with contemporary conventions that removed extraneous detail to focus on the individual’s visage and attire.

Artist & collection

Artist

Unknown

entity whose identity is not known

Museum

Hermitage Museum

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