Artwork

Portrait of A.Ushakov, the Head of the Secret Chancellery

Portrait of A.Ushakov, the Head of the Secret Chancellery, by Unknown, oil, 1750
Portrait of A.Ushakov, the Head of the Secret Chancellery, by Unknown, oil, 1750

Portrait of A.Ushakov, the Head of the Secret Chancellery is an oil painting by the Rococo painting artist Unknown. It dates from 1750 and is held in the collection of the Hermitage Museum. Portrait of A.

About this work

Subject & Meaning

The subject is shown wearing a formal dress uniform, an iconographic choice that signals his administrative rank and standing within the imperial bureaucracy.

The portrait depicts Andrey Ushakov, the head of Russia's Secret Chancellery, rendered in 1750 in oil on canvas. The subject is shown wearing a formal dress uniform, an iconographic choice that signals his administrative rank and standing within the imperial bureaucracy. By presenting Ushakov in official attire rather than private dress, the work functions as a status portrait, communicating the authority and institutional power associated with his role in the Secret Chancellery.

The painting thus serves both as a likeness of the individual and as a visual record of the office he held.

History & Provenance

Created in 1750, this oil painting on canvas depicts Andrey Ushakov, the head of the Secret Chancellery, wearing a dress uniform. The work was produced in Russia by an artist who remains unidentified. Throughout its history, the portrait has been held in the collection of the Hermitage Museum, where it is currently located. The canvas measures 120 cm in height and 104.5 cm in width.

Overview

Portrait of A.Ushakov, the Head of the Secret Chancellery is an oil painting depicting its subject in formal, ornate attire against a dark background, emphasizing his presence through chiaroscuro.

Technique & Style

The artist employed chiaroscuro to create a sense of volume, using strong light and dark contrasts to make the subject stand out against the somber backdrop.

Context

Given the subject's role as Head of the Secret Chancellery, the portrait likely served to symbolize power and official status within a historical context of formal, representational art.

Portrait of an aristocrat
Portrait of an aristocrat, Unknown

Artist & collection

Artist

Unknown

entity whose identity is not known

Hermitage Museum

Museum

Hermitage Museum

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This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: Hermitage Museum open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.

Frequently asked questions

Who painted Portrait of A.Ushakov, the Head of the Secret Chancellery?

Portrait of A.Ushakov, the Head of the Secret Chancellery was painted by Unknown in 1750.

Where can I see Portrait of A.Ushakov, the Head of the Secret Chancellery?

Portrait of A.Ushakov, the Head of the Secret Chancellery is held by Hermitage Museum.

What movement is Portrait of A.Ushakov, the Head of the Secret Chancellery?

Portrait of A.Ushakov, the Head of the Secret Chancellery is associated with Rococo painting.