Artwork
Portrait of General Count V.А.Perovsky
Portrait of General Count V.А.Perovsky is an oil painting by the Realist artist Vasilij Raev. It dates from 1839 and is held in the collection of the Hermitage Museum.
About this work
Overview
Created in 1839 by Vasily Egorovich Raev, a member of the Imperial Academy of Arts, this oil painting portrays General Count Vasily Perovsky in full dress uniform. Executed in a realistic manner, the portrait is part of the State Hermitage Museum’s collection and exemplifies early‑19th‑century Russian portraiture of military figures.
Subject & Meaning
The sitter, General Count Perovsky, is shown in his ceremonial uniform, adorned with numerous medals, a sash, and gold‑star insignia, indicating his senior rank. He holds a sword, while crossed swords appear on the red wall behind him, underscoring his martial career and the prestige associated with his service.
Technique & Style
Raev employs a restrained palette of dark blues and blacks for the uniform, contrasted with bright gold detailing on the stars and trim. The rendering of textures—metallic medals, polished wood, and the soft drapery of the green tablecloth—demonstrates a careful observation characteristic of Russian realism of the period.
History & Provenance
After its completion, the portrait entered the imperial collection and eventually became part of the State Hermitage Museum’s holdings. The work has remained in the museum’s permanent display, providing insight into the visual culture of the Russian aristocracy and military elite in the 1830s.
Context
The painting reflects a broader trend in 19th‑century Russia of commemorating high‑ranking officers through formal portraiture. Such works served both as personal commemorations and as visual affirmations of loyalty to the state, situating the subject within the ceremonial environment of a richly appointed interior.
Artist & collection
Artist
Vasily Egorovich Raev (Russian: Васи́лий Его́рович Ра́ев; 1808–1871) was a Russian painter and member of the Imperial Academy of Arts.
