Portrait of Ivan Krylov 1816

This is Orest Kiprensky’s portrait of Ivan Krylov, a drawing rendered with graphite pencil. Made in the early 19th century, this portrait offers a glimpse into the cultural and intellectual life of Russia at that time. Krylov was a renowned fabulist, whose work reflected and critiqued the social mores of the era. Kiprensky’s choice to depict Krylov, highlights the increasing importance of writers and intellectuals in shaping public opinion and cultural identity. The portrait captures Krylov’s thoughtful gaze and conveys a sense of his intellectual gravitas. This was a time when Russian artists were looking to assert a distinct cultural identity, often engaging with Enlightenment ideals while also exploring uniquely Russian themes. Looking at such works, historians often turn to literary archives, biographical accounts, and studies of social history to better understand the relationship between art, culture, and society.