Who painted Portrait of Alexander Sergeyevich Griboyedov?

Portrait of Alexander Sergeyevich Griboyedov was painted by Ivan Kramskoi in 1873.

Where can I see Portrait of Alexander Sergeyevich Griboyedov?

Portrait of Alexander Sergeyevich Griboyedov is held by Tretyakov Gallery.

What movement is Portrait of Alexander Sergeyevich Griboyedov?

Portrait of Alexander Sergeyevich Griboyedov is associated with Realism.

Can I buy a print of Portrait of Alexander Sergeyevich Griboyedov?

Museum-quality prints of Portrait of Alexander Sergeyevich Griboyedov are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.

Artwork

Portrait of Alexander Sergeyevich Griboyedov

Ivan Kramskoi , 1873

Portrait of Alexander Sergeyevich Griboyedov is an oil painting by the Realist artist Ivan Kramskoi. It dates from 1873 and is held in the collection of the Tretyakov Gallery.

About this work

This portrait depicts a man with dark hair, dressed in a black jacket and white shirt, adorned with a black bow tie.

This portrait depicts a man with dark hair, dressed in a black jacket and white shirt, adorned with a black bow tie. He wears a long, thin gold chain around his neck. The background is a textured, dark brown wall.

The man's gaze is directed slightly to the right, and his mouth is closed. His attire suggests a formal setting, possibly from the 19th century. The painting's style is realistic, with attention to detail in the subject's clothing and accessories.

The artist's use of chiaroscuro creates a sense of depth and dimensionality in the portrait. For more information on this technique, look up chiaroscuro.

Overview

Ivan Kramskoi’s 1873 oil portrait presents Alexander Sergeyevich Griboyedov, a noted Russian playwright, diplomat and poet. Rendered in a realistic manner, the work captures the subject in a formal pose, his dark hair and black attire contrasting with a muted brown backdrop. The painting is part of the Tretyakov Gallery’s permanent collection, exemplifying Kramskoi’s mature portraiture.

Subject & Meaning

Griboyedov, celebrated for his literary contributions and diplomatic service, is depicted with a composed expression and a subtle, sideways glance. The restrained demeanor and the inclusion of a thin gold chain hint at his social standing and intellectual gravitas, while the absence of overt symbolism directs attention to his personal character rather than narrative allegory.

Technique & Style

Kramskoi employs a restrained palette and precise modeling, using chiaroscuro to carve out the figure from the dark wall behind. The careful rendering of fabric folds, the sheen of the black bow tie, and the delicate glint of the gold chain demonstrate his commitment to realism and his skill in conveying texture and volume through oil paint.

History & Provenance

Created during the height of the Peredvizhniki movement, the portrait reflects Kramskoi’s involvement in the group that sought to bring art to a broader public. After its completion, the painting entered the collection of the Tretyakov Gallery, where it has remained, serving as a testament to both the artist’s stature and Griboyedov’s enduring place in Russian cultural memory.