Artwork
Portrait of Ivan T. Sazonov (1755-1823) (1st)

Portrait of Ivan T. Sazonov (1755-1823) (1st) is an oil painting by the Realist artist Unknown. It dates from 1824 and is held in the collection of the Hermitage Museum. The work is an oil painting portraying Ivan T.
About this work
Overview
The work is an oil painting portraying Ivan T. Sazonov, a Russian military figure who lived from 1755 to 1823. Rendered in a modestly sized canvas, the portrait presents the sitter in a vivid red coat adorned with gold buttons, set against a muted green‑brown backdrop that draws attention to his face and attire.
Subject & Meaning
Sazonov is depicted with curled dark hair and a solemn expression, his posture and the elaborate uniform indicating a rank of significance within the armed forces. The stiff, ornamented collar and the gleaming metal fastenings underscore his official status and the formality expected of a high‑ranking officer.
Technique & Style
The artist employs a restrained palette, allowing the bright red of the coat to dominate while the background recedes in subdued earth tones. Light reflects off the gold buttons, creating a subtle contrast that emphasizes texture and material. The handling of light and shadow hints at chiaroscuro influences, though the overall effect remains relatively flat and focused on surface detail.
History & Provenance
The portrait dates from the late eighteenth or early nineteenth century, corresponding with Sazonov’s lifetime. Its provenance traces back to private collections associated with the Sazonov family before entering a public institution, where it now serves as a visual record of a Russian officer of the era.
Artist & collection
















