Portrait of Count Razumovsky 1800

Vladimir Borovikovsky painted this portrait of Count Razumovsky in oil on canvas sometime in the late 18th or early 19th century. It gives us a glimpse into the world of the Russian aristocracy and the visual codes that upheld its power. Borovikovsky was a favorite portraitist of the Russian elite. Here, the Count is depicted with a somber expression and dressed in a dark, formal coat with a high collar and cravat, indicative of his status and wealth in that era. The subtle play of light and shadow on the Count’s face, combined with his reserved gaze, is meant to convey dignity, wisdom, and authority. To understand the painting better, we might research the Razumovsky family and their role in Russian society, as well as the institutions of the Russian court and the patronage system of the time. By studying these sources, we can better understand the social and political forces that shaped the creation and reception of this portrait.