Vasily Alexeyevich Perovsky (1794–1857) was a veteran of the Patriotic War of 1812. He served in the Guards General Staff, in the Lifeguard Jaeger Regiment; in 1816, he accompanied Grand Duke Nikolai Pavlovich on a trip abroad. Later V.A. Perovsky was Adjutant General (1833); Orenburg Governor-General; Commander of the Orenburg Special Corps (1833–1842, 1851–1857); General of the Cavalry (1843); Member of the State Council (1845). In 1855, he received the title of count. He was a brother to the writer A. A. Perovsky (pen name – Antony Pogorelsky) and friend of Vasily Zhukovsky and Alexander Pushkin. In 1822–1824, he lived in Italy, where he met Karl Bryullov; in 1835–1836 – in Moscow. The portrait is chest-high, has no unnecessary attributes in it, however, it is marked by features of pomp. The character is depicted against swirling clouds; the play of light and shadow on his face masterfully conveyed by Bryullov accentuates in Perovsky’s appearance, in his character an unbending will and determination.