Portrait of Fedor Orlov 1785

Dmitry Levitzky, painted this portrait of Fedor Orlov sometime in the late 18th century. Levitsky, as a portraitist in the court of Catherine the Great, skillfully captured the likeness and status of his subjects. Here, Fedor Orlov is depicted with the confident, if slight, smile of a man of rank, dressed in his military uniform. The bright red sash and the prominent cross draw our eyes, visually emphasizing his accomplishments and societal position. The very act of commissioning a portrait speaks to the sitter's desire to be seen and remembered in a certain way, and is indicative of their power. Yet, when we consider the weight of this representation, we can reflect on the emotional complexities inherent in portraiture. It asks us to consider how identity is constructed and performed, both by the sitter and the artist.