Portrait of Count Pavel Stroganov

This 1790 portrait of Count Pavel Stroganov at the Hermitage depicts the young nobleman who would become a key advisor to Tsar Alexander I and a leader of Russian reform movements. Vigée Le Brun painted him during his youth, before the political career that would make him one of Russia’s most influential liberal reformers. Characteristic of the artist's mature approach, the work displays graceful Neoclassical elegance, luminous flesh tones, psychological warmth, and a gift for capturing fashionable dress.

The youthful portrait captures the sitter’s alert, intelligent expression. Vigée Le Brun’s warm palette and flattering light present the young count with the elegance and promise appropriate to his aristocratic station.