Russian Admiral c. early 19th century

ink, color-on-paper

toned paper

water colours

pastel soft colours

japan

handmade artwork painting

ink

color-on-paper

underpainting

painting painterly

wall painting

watercolour bleed

watercolour illustration

watercolor

This anonymous portrait of a Russian admiral from the early 19th century is an example of folk art. Created using gouache on paper, the artwork features a highly stylized representation of the subject, emphasizing his military attire and accessories, including a tall hat, a sash, and a sword. The use of bright colors and bold lines contribute to the overall simplistic yet striking aesthetic of the painting, showcasing a unique perspective on the subject and offering a glimpse into Russian folk art of the time.

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minneapolisinstituteofart about 1 year ago

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A Russian admiral wearing a red-plumed bicorn hat stands against a blank background in this painting by an anonymous artist active in the city of Nagasaki, Japan’s most important international port during the Edo period. Nagasaki was one of only three Japanese ports open to Russia after the two countries signed their first official trade treaty in the mid-1850s. Some Nagasaki artists, many of whom remain anonymous, specialized in printed and painted images of the curious foreigners they encountered in the city.