Portrait of Count Sergei Petrovich Buturlin - Orest Kiprensky

A refined 1824 graphite portrait by Orest Kiprensky, capturing Count Sergei Petrovich Buturlin with characteristic psychological depth and technical precision.

Orest Kiprensky, a central figure in the development of Russian portraiture during the early nineteenth century, produced this graphite study of Count Sergei Petrovich Buturlin in 1824. The work captures the subject in a three-quarter profile, seated with arms crossed, conveying a sense of youthful composure and aristocratic reserve. Kiprensky utilises the medium of graphite to achieve a delicate range of tonal values, particularly in the rendering of the subject's high-collared coat and the texture of the fur trim draped over his shoulder.

The composition is restrained, focusing entirely on the sitter against a neutral, lightly sketched background. The artist demonstrates a precise control of line, particularly in the definition of the facial features and the soft, wavy hair. The chair back, visible in the lower left, provides a subtle structural anchor to the figure. This drawing reflects the broader European trend of the period toward psychological depth in portraiture, moving away from the rigid formality of the previous century. Kiprensky was known for his ability to capture the individual character of his subjects, and this portrait of Buturlin is a clear example of his technical proficiency in drawing.

As a master of the graphite medium, Kiprensky often produced such works as independent pieces rather than mere preparatory sketches. The clarity of the lines and the careful shading indicate a finished work intended for display or private collection. The portrait remains a representative example of the Russian Romantic style, where the focus on the inner life of the subject is balanced by a disciplined, classical approach to form and anatomy. This print offers a clear view of the artist's hand, preserving the nuances of the original graphite marks on paper.