Who painted Portrait of Piotr N. Kobylinsky (1785-1850)?

Portrait of Piotr N. Kobylinsky (1785-1850) was painted by Morten Thrane Brünnich in 1849.

Where can I see Portrait of Piotr N. Kobylinsky (1785-1850)?

Portrait of Piotr N. Kobylinsky (1785-1850) is held by Hermitage Museum.

What movement is Portrait of Piotr N. Kobylinsky (1785-1850)?

Portrait of Piotr N. Kobylinsky (1785-1850) is associated with Biedermeier.

Can I buy a print of Portrait of Piotr N. Kobylinsky (1785-1850)?

Museum-quality prints of Portrait of Piotr N. Kobylinsky (1785-1850) are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.

Artwork

Portrait of Piotr N. Kobylinsky (1785-1850)

Morten Thrane Brünnich , 1849

Portrait of Piotr N. Kobylinsky (1785-1850) is an oil painting by the Biedermeier artist Morten Thrane Brünnich. It dates from 1849 and is held in the collection of the Hermitage Museum.

About this work

Overview

Created in 1849 by Danish painter Morten Thrane Brünnich, this oil portrait depicts Piotr N. Kobylinsky, a Russian figure who lived from 1785 to 1850. The work is part of the collection of the State Hermitage Museum in St. Petersburg. It presents a solitary sitter in a restrained, formal composition that emphasizes the subject’s demeanor through careful use of light and shadow.

Subject & Meaning

His expression is sober, marked by a slight frown and pronounced cheekbones, suggesting a contemplative or scholarly disposition.

The portrait shows Kobylinsky seated in a dark coat with a high, stiff collar, his hand resting on a small book or notebook. His expression is sober, marked by a slight frown and pronounced cheekbones, suggesting a contemplative or scholarly disposition. The inclusion of the book hints at literacy or professional activity, while the overall solemnity reflects the conventions of early‑nineteenth‑century portraiture for respectable men.

Technique & Style

Brünnich employs a chiaroscuro scheme, concentrating illumination on the sitter’s face while the surrounding space recedes into deep shadow. The dark red curtain behind the figure provides a muted backdrop that frames the composition without competing for attention. The contrast between the lit features and the enveloping darkness creates a three‑dimensional effect, highlighting texture in the fabric and the subtle modeling of the facial features.

History & Provenance

After its completion, the painting entered the Russian imperial collection and eventually became part of the State Hermitage Museum’s holdings. The work has remained in the museum’s permanent display, offering insight into the cross‑cultural artistic exchanges between Denmark and Russia during the mid‑nineteenth century.