Olga Ivanovna Orlova-Davydova (Baryatinsky 

Christina Robertson painted "Olga Ivanovna Orlova-Davydova (Baryatinsky)" using oil on canvas. The portrait is structured around a play of textures and light, evoking a sense of serene elegance. Olga sits, framed by classical architecture, her figure illuminated against a darker, almost ethereal backdrop. The eye is drawn to the shimmering satin of her dress, a focal point that establishes a visual hierarchy within the composition. Robertson uses contrasting textures to create depth and interest. The smooth, reflective quality of the dress is juxtaposed with the soft, sheer lace and the rougher textures of the stone and foliage in the background. These textures not only add visual interest but also signify the sitter’s social standing and cultivated identity. The portrait engages with the semiotic codes of aristocratic representation. It presents Olga as an emblem of grace and intellect. However, rather than merely reflecting conventional ideals, the portrait subtly destabilizes them by presenting a female figure actively engaged with knowledge through her reading.