1759
oil on canvas
57.2 x 44.8

The portrait of lady of the court Anastasia Mikhailovna Izmailova (1703–1761), née Naryshkina, close friend and distant relative of Empress Elizaveta Petrovna, is one of the best known works by Antropov. The face of the sitter has large, expressive features, revealing a strong and willful nature. The painterly structure of the work corresponds to Izmailova’s decisive character. The rich colour range is built upon a harmonious combination of contrasting dark and pale blues, rose and white colours. The brilliant colouring gives the portrait a decorative quality typical of works of folk art. The artist does not strive to penetrate profoundly into the inner world of his heroine; rather he captures only the static, permanent features of her nature. As a true representative of his age, Antropov does not forget about the social status of his model. Izmailova’s dress is decorated with a portrait of Elizaveta Petrovna in diamonds - a sign of the personal favour of the Empress to her lady in waiting.

at 10, Lavrushinsky Lane, Hall 3