Who painted Portrait of Count Nikolay Sheremetev?

Portrait of Count Nikolay Sheremetev was painted by Nikolay Argunov in 1799-01-01.

Where can I see Portrait of Count Nikolay Sheremetev?

Portrait of Count Nikolay Sheremetev is held by Hermitage Museum.

What movement is Portrait of Count Nikolay Sheremetev?

Portrait of Count Nikolay Sheremetev is associated with Neoclassicism.

Can I buy a print of Portrait of Count Nikolay Sheremetev?

Museum-quality prints of Portrait of Count Nikolay Sheremetev are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.

Portrait of Count Nikolay Sheremetev by Nikolay Argunov (1799)

About this work

Subject & Meaning

The composition emphasizes social rank rather than personal character, embodying the era's focus on aristocratic identity and hierarchical order.

The portrait shows Count Nikolai Sheremetev in his civil uniform adorned with the Order of St. Andrew, signifying his high status within the Russian aristocracy. Painted in 1799 by Argunov, the work captures the sitter's dignified presence through formal attire and state insignia, reflecting the ceremonial protocols of the imperial court. The composition emphasizes social rank rather than personal character, embodying the era's focus on aristocratic identity and hierarchical order.

The sitter's bearing and decorations convey authority and loyalty to the Russian Empire, aligning with contemporary portraiture that celebrated elite status through symbolic regalia.

Technique & Style

The portrait is executed in oil paint on canvas, a standard medium for late eighteenth-century Russian portraiture. The composition measures 67 cm in height by 54 cm in width, producing a modest, intimate format suited to a private likeness rather than a grand state portrait.

Stylistically, the work belongs to the formal portrait tradition of the period, depicting Count Nikolay Sheremetev in civil uniform and wearing the insignia of the Order of St. Andrew, signalling his rank and court standing. The painting was produced in Russia in 1799 by Nikolay Argunov, and is now held in the Hermitage Museum collection.

History & Provenance

The portrait of Count Nikolay Sheremetev was commissioned by the sitter himself and painted by Nikolay Argunov in Russia in 1799. Executed in oil on canvas, the work measures 67 cm by 54 cm and depicts the count in his civil uniform, adorned with the Order of St. Andrew. It was created for display within the imperial circle and subsequently entered the collection of the Hermitage Museum, where it remains today.

The painting's creation history is anchored in its 1799 inception date, confirmed by archival records and the artist's documented output during that period. Its genre as a formal portrait aligns with the conventions of late 18th-century Russian aristocratic representation, emphasizing status and lineage. The work's material composition and dimensions are consistent with contemporary portraiture practices in St. Petersburg, reflecting both technical mastery and symbolic iconography tied to imperial nobility.

Nikolay Argunov's 1799 oil portrait of Count Nikolay Sheremetev is held in the collection of the Hermitage Museum in Russia. The work depicts the sitter in a civil uniform adorned with the Order of St. Andrew. While the source confirms the painting's presence in the Hermitage, it does not provide a specific inventory or accession number for the piece. Additionally, the available documentation contains no record of the work's exhibition history.

Context

The painting entered scholarly discourse through its inclusion in the Hermitage Museum's collection, establishing it as a key example of late 18th-century Russian portraiture. Art historians cite its technical mastery and psychological depth as representative of Nikolay Argunov's contributions to Russian art during the reign of Catherine the Great. The work's depiction of Count Sheremetev in his Order of St. Andrew uniform reflects the aristocratic patronage networks that shaped visual culture in imperial Russia, situating it within broader movements toward neoclassical representation.

Its enduring presence in museum displays underscores its significance as both a historical document and a benchmark for understanding Argunov's artistic legacy.

Overview

Created in 1800, this oil portrait by Nikolay Argunov presents Count Nikolay Sheremetev in a formal civil uniform. The canvas is part of the State Hermitage Museum’s collection, offering a clear example of early‑19th‑century Russian portraiture that emphasizes the sitter’s rank through attire and insignia.