Artwork
Portrait of Ivan Grigorevich, Count Chernyshev
Portrait of Ivan Grigorevich, Count Chernyshev is an unspecified painting. It dates from 1790 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art. This painting depicts Ivan Grigorevich, Count Chernyshev, in a small, circular format.
About this work
Subject & Meaning
The work is attributed to the German painter Heinrich Friedrich Füger and is dated to circa 1780, matching the date recorded in the catalogue entry.
The painting depicts Ivan Grigorevich, Count Chernyshev, a Russian aristocrat of the late eighteenth century. Rendered as a portrait miniature, it shows the sitter in conventional formal attire that signals his noble rank. The work is attributed to the German painter Heinrich Friedrich Füger and is dated to circa 1780, matching the date recorded in the catalogue entry.
It belongs to the Cleveland Museum of Art’s collection, where it is classified as a miniature portrait. The sources do not elaborate on specific iconographic symbols or a broader symbolic meaning beyond the representation of aristocratic status.
History & Provenance
The portrait miniature of Ivan Grigorevich, Count Chernyshev, is dated to the period between 1780 and 1785. While one classification identifies the artist as unknown with a specific date of 1780, other records attribute the work to the German painter Heinrich Friedrich Füger (1751–1818). The piece was created as a portrait miniature, a genre distinct from larger canvas works.
It is currently held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art, where it is cataloged under the accession number 1942.1141. The work's creation history remains linked to the late 18th century, reflecting the artistic styles and patronage of that era.
The portrait is held by the Cleveland Museum of Art, where it is recorded under the inventory number 1942.1141. The work, attributed to Heinrich Friedrich Füger and dated to the period around 1780, is catalogued within the museum's collection as a portrait miniature. No exhibition history is documented in the available sources.
Legacy
Portrait of Ivan Grigorevich, Count Chernyshev is a 1780 portrait miniature attributed to Heinrich Friedrich Füger, currently held in the Cleveland Museum of Art. The work is classified as a painting and portrait, reflecting the tradition of Russian aristocratic portraiture in the late 18th century. Its inclusion in a major museum collection underscores its scholarly interest as an example of a portrait miniature from the period, contributing to the historical understanding of early Russian portrait miniatures.
Overview
This painting depicts Ivan Grigorevich, Count Chernyshev, in a small, circular format. The portrait emphasizes the subject's dignified presence through a focused composition and a serious facial expression. The overall presentation, including its ornate frame, suggests a work intended to convey the sitter's social standing and importance.
Technique & Style
The artist employed soft illumination to highlight the Count's face, making it emerge from a plain, dark background, a technique reminiscent of chiaroscuro. This contrast draws the viewer's attention directly to the sitter's features and expression. The painting's small, round shape is complemented by an elaborate gold frame, adorned with delicate white accents, further enhancing the work's refined aesthetic.
Artist & collection
- Portrait of Ivan Grigorevich, Count Chernyshev
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