Artwork

La Princesse Catherine Gavrilowna Gagarine

La Princesse Catherine Gavrilowna Gagarine, by Vladimir Borovikovsky, oil, 1801
La Princesse Catherine Gavrilowna Gagarine, by Vladimir Borovikovsky, oil, 1801

La Princesse Catherine Gavrilowna Gagarine is an oil painting by Vladimir Borovikovsky. It dates from 1801 and is held in the collection of the Tretyakov Gallery.

About this work

Overview

La Princesse Catherine Gavrilowna Gagarine is an 1801 oil painting by Vladimir Borovikovsky, depicting a young noblewoman set against a serene landscape. The work is characteristic of Borovikovsky's portraiture style, emphasizing detail and lighting effects.

Subject & Meaning

The subject, Princess Catherine Gavrilowna Gagarine, is portrayed in a contemplative pose, with crossed arms and a draped blue shawl, conveying a sense of quiet elegance and refinement. Her attire and the landscape backdrop reflect the aristocratic tastes of the early 19th century.

Technique & Style

Borovikovsky employed chiaroscuro to achieve depth and dimensionality, highlighted by the subtle play of light on the princess's face and the intricate folds of her white dress. The overall style blends neoclassical simplicity with the emerging romanticism of the period.

History & Provenance

Created in 1801 for the court of Catherine the Great, the painting is now part of the Tretyakov Gallery's collection, testifying to Borovikovsky's prominence in Russian portraiture at the turn of the 19th century.

Context

This portrait reflects the artistic and social climate of early 19th-century Russia, where European influences merged with emerging national identities. Borovikovsky's work catered to the aristocracy's desire for elegant, refined representations.

Legacy

La Princesse Catherine Gavrilowna Gagarine stands as a representative piece of Borovikovsky's oeuvre, illustrating his technical skill and his role in defining the portrait genre in early 19th-century Russia.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Vladimir Borovikovsky

Artist

Vladimir Borovikovsky

Vladimir Lukich Borovikovsky (August 4 1757 – April 18 1825) was a Russian artist of Ukrainian Cossack origin. He served at the court of Catherine the Great and dominated portraiture in Russia at the turn of the 19th century.

This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: Tretyakov Gallery open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.