Artwork

Portrait of Vasily D. Ilovaisky (1788-1860) (12th)

Portrait of Vasily D. Ilovaisky (1788-1860) (12th), by Unknown, oil, 1824
Portrait of Vasily D. Ilovaisky (1788-1860) (12th), by Unknown, oil, 1824

Portrait of Vasily D. Ilovaisky (1788-1860) (12th) is an oil painting by the Russian Icon artist Unknown. It dates from 1824 and is held in the collection of the Hermitage Museum. The oil painting depicts Vasily D.

About this work

Overview

The oil painting depicts Vasily D. Ilovaisky (1788–1860) in a formal military portrait. He stands before a uniform dark‑green backdrop, dressed in a dark blue coat trimmed with silver embroidery on the collar and cuffs. A row of medals is displayed across his chest, and a vivid red lining is visible on the left shoulder of the coat.

Subject & Meaning

Ilovaisky’s solemn expression, rendered with careful attention to his curly hair and mustache, conveys the dignity expected of a senior officer. The abundance of medals signals a distinguished career, while the precise rendering of uniform details underscores his status within the imperial military hierarchy.

Technique & Style

Executed in oil, the work employs a restrained palette of deep blues, greens, and reds, allowing the metallic sheen of the embroidery and medals to catch the eye. The brushwork is tight around the facial features, contrasting with broader, smoother handling of the background, a common approach in late‑imperial Russian portraiture.

History & Provenance

Created during the early nineteenth century, the portrait entered the collection of the State Hermitage Museum, where it is catalogued as item 12th. No further documented changes of ownership are recorded, and the painting remains displayed among the museum’s series of official portraiture.

Portrait of Nikolai V. Ilovaisky (1772/73-1838) (5th)
Portrait of Nikolai V. Ilovaisky (1772/73-1838) (5th), George Dawe

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 Vasily D. Ilovaisky (1788-1860) (12th)?

Portrait of Vasily D. Ilovaisky (1788-1860) (12th) was painted by Unknown in 1824.

Where can I see Portrait of Vasily D. Ilovaisky (1788-1860) (12th)?

Portrait of Vasily D. Ilovaisky (1788-1860) (12th) is held by Hermitage Museum.

What movement is Portrait of Vasily D. Ilovaisky (1788-1860) (12th)?

Portrait of Vasily D. Ilovaisky (1788-1860) (12th) is associated with Russian Icon.