Undated
oil on canvas
180,2 x 130,8

The portrait depicts the wife of the first Commander of St Petersburg, later Moscow Governor K.A. Naryshkin, Anastasia Yakovlevna Naryshkina, née Princess Myshetskaya, with her daughters Tatyana and Alexandra. The monumental static composition and bright local colouring of the portrait are still reminiscent of the methods used in icon painting. Another feature characteristic of medieval art is the absence of three-dimensionality thanks to which the female figure, which the artist has decided to show seated, appears, as it were, spread-eagled on the canvas. However, we already see signs of the coming art of the New Age. The lavish dress, festive pose and impressive, ornate Dutch head covering emphasize the gentility and high social position of the heroine. The children are shown in an interesting way that is highly typical of art from the beginning of the 18th century. The artist seemingly does not sense the specifics of children and their inherent anatomical and mimic qualities. He draws them as if they were small adults and only the scale of the figures enables us to guess they are children.

at 10, Lavrushinsky Lane, Hall 1