Who painted Portrait of the Merchant Alexander Sapozhnikov?

Portrait of the Merchant Alexander Sapozhnikov was painted by Vasily Andreevich Tropinin in 1826.

Where can I see Portrait of the Merchant Alexander Sapozhnikov?

Portrait of the Merchant Alexander Sapozhnikov is held by Hermitage Museum.

Can I buy a print of Portrait of the Merchant Alexander Sapozhnikov?

Museum-quality prints of Portrait of the Merchant Alexander Sapozhnikov are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.

Artwork

Portrait of the Merchant Alexander Sapozhnikov

Vasily Andreevich Tropinin , 1826

Portrait of the Merchant Alexander Sapozhnikov is an oil painting by Vasily Andreevich Tropinin. It dates from 1826 and is held in the collection of the Hermitage Museum.

About this work

Overview

Created in 1826 by Vasily Andreevich Tropinin, a Russian painter associated with the Romantic movement, this oil portrait presents the merchant Alexander Sapozhnikov. The work belongs to the State Hermitage Museum’s collection and exemplifies Tropinin’s focus on individual likenesses during the early nineteenth‑century Russian Empire.

Subject & Meaning

The sitter, Alexander Sapozhnikov, is shown seated in a dark, formal outfit, his reddish‑brown beard and short hair framing a solemn expression. His gaze meets the viewer directly, conveying a sense of introspection and the dignified bearing expected of a prosperous merchant of the period.

Technique & Style

Tropinin employs a restrained palette of muted browns and deep blacks, allowing subtle modeling of flesh and fabric. The brushwork renders the texture of the beard and the sheen of the high‑collared shirt with careful attention, while the simple background isolates the figure, emphasizing psychological depth over decorative detail.

History & Provenance

Born a serf in 1776, Tropinin achieved emancipation and built a reputation for portraiture, including works such as *The Lace Maker* and *The Gold‑Embroideress*. After its creation, the portrait entered the holdings of the State Hermitage Museum, where it remains on display as part of the museum’s Russian art collection.

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Artist & collection

Artist

Vasily Andreevich Tropinin

Vasily Andreevich Tropinin (Russian: Васи́лий Андре́евич Тропи́нин; 30 March 1776 – 16 May 1857) was a Russian Romantic painter, active in Moscow during Tsars Alexander I and Nicholas I's reigns.

Museum

Hermitage Museum

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