Artwork

Untitled

Untitled, by Vladimir Borovikovsky, oil, 1801
Untitled, by Vladimir Borovikovsky, oil, 1801

Untitled 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

This untitled oil painting, created around 1801 by Russian portraitist Vladimir Borovikovsky, is part of the Tretyakov Gallery's collection. It portrays a woman in contemplative pose, characterized by the use of chiaroscuro and detailed, textured brushwork.

Subject & Meaning

The subject, a woman with curly brown hair dressed in white, sits deep in thought, her hand on her chin and a pen in her other hand, suggesting engagement with a creative or intellectual pursuit. Her introspective expression invites the viewer to ponder her thoughts.

Technique & Style

Borovikovsky employed chiaroscuro to create depth, with a dark background contrasting against the subject's illuminated form. Oil paint and glazing techniques add richness and texture, typical of his portraiture style during the late 18th and early 19th centuries.

History & Provenance

Painted circa 1801 for the court of Catherine the Great, this work reflects Borovikovsky's position as a leading Russian portraitist of his time. It is now housed in the Tretyakov Gallery.

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.