1773
oil on canvas
222,6 x 166

Prokofii Akinofievich Demidov (1710–1786) was the son of the Urals mining industrialist A.N. Demidov, a patron of the arts and benefactor, guardian of the Moscow Founding School, under which he established a Commercial School. The hero is depicted in his home garb, which speaks of the unofficial nature of activity. Demidov was not a state servant although he had the rank of a high courtier which he was granted in recognition of his extensive charitable activities. His left hand is resting on a watering can, alongside which there is an open book and bulbs of plants, all symbolizing the promotion of enlightenment. With his right hand he points to the flowering plants and to the building of the Founding School, whose inhabitants, like flowers, need care and attention. Levitsky skillfully used the language of allegory and allusion to embody the enlightenment idea about man’s potential for contributing to the common good, turning to noble and elevated activities even when not occupying government posts.

at 10, Lavrushinsky Lane, Hall 5