1760
oil on canvas
119.3 x 68.2

The young model for the portrait, nine-year-old Fedor Nikolaevich Golitsin (1751–1827), is depicted in the uniform of the cavalry guards of Empress Elizaveta. Later on F.N. Golitsin became one of the most brilliant representatives of his age. As a member of the Guards, courtier, diplomat and recipient of many knightly orders, he was splendidly educated and spoke fluently many European languages. He was a translator of the French classics, publisher of G.R. Derzhavin’s works, and corresponded with the historian and writer N.M. Karamzin as well as with the diplomat and poet A.S. Griboedov. In this late work Vishnyakov noticeably reverts to archaic features. The static frontal standing figure seems to be spread-eagled on the canvas and we scarcely feel the volumes. The bright local spots of colour remind us of the colour solutions in medieval icons. However, the face of the model is surprisingly lively, typically that of a child. We behold one of the most interesting child’s portraits in 18th century Russian art.

at 10, Lavrushinsky Lane, Hall 3