Portrait of P. V. Bakunin 1782

Dmitry Levitzky’s oil on canvas portrait presents P. V. Bakunin in a poised, formal composition. The subject’s gaze meets ours directly, set against a backdrop of muted greens and dark tones that focus attention on the figure’s presence. Levitzky's technique employs a semiotic dialogue between the texture of paint and the codes of social status. The crisp lines of Bakunin’s jacket and the intricate lace detailing are not merely descriptive. They act as signifiers of power and elegance, reflecting the rigid structures of 18th-century Russian society. Consider how the artist uses the star on Bakunin's chest as a central point, drawing our eye and acting as a visual anchor that signifies rank and accomplishment. The structure of the portrait thus becomes a statement, underscoring the subject's position within a highly stratified social order. Through form and detail, Levitzky offers not just a likeness but an embodiment of social hierarchy.