Zinaida Yusupova (Naryshkina) 1845

Christina Robertson painted this portrait of Zinaida Yusupova, née Naryshkina, in the 19th century, capturing the likeness of a woman embedded within the Russian aristocracy. Robertson, a Scottish artist, made a name for herself painting portraits of the Russian elite. The portrait offers a glimpse into the identity of a woman of the Russian court. The soft pastel colors and the delicate rendering of Zinaida's features evoke a sense of femininity and grace, in line with the expectations of women in elite circles. The very act of commissioning a portrait speaks volumes about status and self-perception during the period, but also reflects the power dynamics between the artist and sitter. What does it mean for a woman artist to capture the image of another woman within the confines of a patriarchal society? How do such portraits maintain traditional representations, or develop alternative narratives?