Portrait of Aleksey Ivanovich Korsakov 1808

Orest Kiprensky painted this portrait of Aleksey Ivanovich Korsakov using oil on canvas, a technique that dates back centuries. The smoothness of the paint allows for seamless gradations of tone, giving the subject a lifelike appearance, while the visible brushstrokes add texture to the surfaces. The artist carefully mixed pigments to achieve a limited color palette, focusing on conveying the status of the sitter. The labor involved in producing oil paints was considerable: grinding pigments, mixing them with oil, and aging the mixture to achieve the right consistency. This labor-intensive process made oil paint a precious commodity, further enhancing its association with wealth and status. This portrait is not just a likeness; it's a testament to the value of the materials and the skill of the artist in 19th century Russia.