“This self-portrait offers an intimate look at Vasily Andreevich Tropinin, a Russian Romantic painter who achieved artistic freedom after decades as a serf, capturing his direct and contemplative presence.”
In this self-portrait from 1846, Vasily Andreevich Tropinin presents himself as a thoughtful, mature artist, looking directly at the viewer. His gaze is steady and engaging, drawing you into the canvas. The painting captures him in a moment of quiet contemplation, perhaps considering his next brushstroke. The light falls softly across his face, highlighting his features and the texture of his skin, suggesting a naturalistic approach to portraiture. This work was created late in his career, after he had achieved freedom from serfdom and established himself as a prominent figure in Moscow's art scene, a testament to his resilience and dedication to his craft. The subdued colors and focused composition emphasize his presence, allowing his personality to emerge without distraction.
- Artist
- Vasily Andreevich Tropinin
- Date
- 1846
- Location
- Tretyakov Gallery
What to Notice
Five details hide in plain sight. Here’s where to look.
The direct, steady gaze of the artist.
The subtle play of light on his forehead and cheekbones.
The texture of his dark coat, blending into the background.
The way his hand, holding a brush, is subtly visible at the lower edge.
1 more detail is waiting.
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Vasily Andreevich Tropinin
1776–1857 · Russian EmpireA serf who secretly studied art and went on to paint over 3,000 portraits — including Russia's greatest poet.
Further Works by Tropinin
Portrait of A. V. Tropinin
1818 · Tretyakov Gallery
Lace-maker
1823 · Tretyakov Gallery
Portrait of K.G.Ravich
1823 · Tretyakov Gallery
Portrait of Andrei Mikhailovich Bolotov
1838 · Tretyakov Gallery
Dmitriy Petrovich Voeykov
1842 · Tretyakov Gallery
Boy with an axe
1810 · Belarusian National Arts Museum
The Peasant Boy with a Hatchet
1810 · Ekaterinburg Museum of Fine Arts
Portrait of Artemy Lazarev (1791-1813), the Poruchik of the Life Guards Hussars Regiment
1819 · Hermitage Museum
More works to explore
Beyond Tropinin: works from the same years.
Same era · 1830s–1860s
The Cottage by the Roadside, Stormy Sky
Léon-Victor Dupré · 1855 · Art Institute of Chicago
Same era · 1830s–1860s
The Backgammon Players
Philip Webb · 1861 · The Metropolitan Museum of Art
Same era · 1830s–1860s
Wooded Landscape
Gustave Courbet · 1848 · Art Institute of Chicago
Same era · 1830s–1860s
Young Woman
Jean-François Millet · 1844 · Art Institute of Chicago
Same era · 1830s–1860s
Arab Horseman Attacked by a Lion
Eugène Delacroix · 1849 · Art Institute of Chicago
Same era · 1830s–1860s
Mount Chocorua and Moat Mountain from North Conway
William Hart · 1850
Same era · 1830s–1860s
Snow Storm: Steam-Boat off a Harbour's Mouth
J. M. W. Turner · 1842 · National Gallery
Same era · 1830s–1860s
The Virgin Adoring the Host
Jean-Auguste-Dominique Ingres · 1841 · Pushkin Museum of Fine Arts
Same era · 1830s–1860s
Olive Trees
Vincent van Gogh · 1853 · The Metropolitan Museum of Art
Same era · 1830s–1860s
Young Spartan Girls Challenging Boys
Edgar Degas · 1860 · Art Institute of Chicago
Same era · 1830s–1860s
Designs for a Decorated Dish, or Platter, and a Biscuit Barrel
Alfred Henry Forrester [Alfred Crowquill] · 1845 · The Metropolitan Museum of Art
Same era · 1830s–1860s
Lettered title: Christy
Samuel Alcock & Company · 1845 · The Metropolitan Museum of Art