Karl Bryullov, “Portrait of Princess Elizaveta Pavlovna Saltykova” (1841)
The Portrait of Princess Elizaveta Pavlovna Saltykova was painted by Karl Bryullov. Bryullov is an outstanding Russian painter, especially for historical, portrait, and landscape painting. He can be recognized from his other remarkable works, like The Last Day of Pompeii (1834).
Saltykova in her elegant dress was sitting on a chair, holding her peacock feathers fan. Some kinds of tropical plants were arranged next to her and the leopard skin was spread on the floor, to present an exotic world in this painting. It also shows the nobility and prosperity of Princess Saltykova.
Saltykova’s dress looks really close to reality. The folds of fabric and the shiny colors of the silk (calm blue, red, and dark green) in the light are marvelous.
The 19th-century Russian art was influenced by Romanticism. However, the spirit of Romanticism in Russia is different from the Western’s Romanticism. In the West, Romanticism was a reaction against the domination of classical art tradition that is well-known for its harmony, balance, and proportion. On the other hand, in Russia, Romanticism was interpreted from its original which is the 17th century sense that marked the works whose exalted and fantastic elements–the characteristic of the old romances. Romanticism in Russia was influenced by Byron, Pushkin, and Lermontov. The mixed character of courtliness and fantasy were usually used to portray the personality of a royal family member.
Bryullov’s painting is interesting, particularly for those who love romantic painting. The distinguished painting skill of Bryullov can bring the audience into the 19th-century Russian world.