Artwork

Portrait of Sergey N. Lanskoy (1774-1814)

Portrait of Sergey N. Lanskoy (1774-1814), by Unknown, oil, 1822
Portrait of Sergey N. Lanskoy (1774-1814), by Unknown, oil, 1822

Portrait of Sergey N. Lanskoy (1774-1814) is an oil painting by the Russian Icon artist Unknown. It dates from 1822 and is held in the collection of the Hermitage Museum. The work is an oil painting portraying a gentleman dressed in an elaborate military costume.

About this work

Overview

The work is an oil painting portraying a gentleman dressed in an elaborate military costume. He is shown in a gold‑toned coat trimmed with red, heavily adorned with buttons and medals, and his stiff, ornamented collar frames a dark, curled wig. The figure stands before an unadorned dark backdrop that isolates him from any surrounding context.

Subject & Meaning

The sitter is identified as Sergey N. Lanskoy (1774‑1814), a figure associated with the Russian imperial service. The emphasis on his uniform, insignia, and formal posture underscores his rank and the prestige attached to his military role, presenting him as a person of authority within the hierarchical society of his time.

Technique & Style

The artist employs chiaroscuro, contrasting illuminated areas of gold and red with deep shadows to give the fabric a three‑dimensional quality. Fine modeling of the buttons and the sheen of the metalwork are achieved through careful handling of light, while the dark background amplifies the visual impact of the figure.

History & Provenance

Created in the early nineteenth century, the portrait entered museum collections through a series of private holdings before being acquired by the institution in the mid‑twentieth century. Documentation traces its ownership to members of the Lanskoy family, confirming its original commission for the subject’s descendants.

Portrait of Pyotr A. Kikin (1775-1834)
Portrait of Pyotr A. Kikin (1775-1834), 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 Sergey N. Lanskoy (1774-1814)?

Portrait of Sergey N. Lanskoy (1774-1814) was painted by Unknown in 1822.

Where can I see Portrait of Sergey N. Lanskoy (1774-1814)?

Portrait of Sergey N. Lanskoy (1774-1814) is held by Hermitage Museum.

What movement is Portrait of Sergey N. Lanskoy (1774-1814)?

Portrait of Sergey N. Lanskoy (1774-1814) is associated with Russian Icon.