Portrait of Elena Aleksandrovna Naryshkina (1785-1855)

The painter employs a gentle palette of pastel tones, allowing the light to fall delicately across the figure and surrounding objects. Subtle chiaroscuro models the folds of the dress and the texture of the floral arrangement, while the atmospheric background adds depth without distracting from the sitter.

Vladimir Borovikovsky, a portraitist of Ukrainian Cossack heritage who served Catherine the Great’s court, executed the painting during the height of his influence over Russian portraiture. After remaining in private hands, the canvas entered the Tretyakov Gallery’s collection, where it continues to be displayed as part of the museum’s Russian art holdings.