Portrait of Alexander Ilyich Bibikov
1771
oil
From the collection of Hermitage Museum
1771
oil
From the collection of Hermitage Museum
This portrait shows a man with a serious expression, looking directly at the viewer. He has a powdered wig and wears an elaborate military uniform with a red coat, green sash, and gold embroidery. The man's face is rendered in detail, with a subtle smile and a hint of weariness in his eyes. The background is dark, which helps to focus attention on the subject. The artist's use of chiaroscuro creates a sense of depth and volume, drawing the viewer's eye to the subject's face. To learn more about this technique, look up chiaroscuro.
