Portrait of Anastasia Shcherbatov

Princess Anastasia Shcherbatova belonged to one of the ancient princely families of Russia, and this undated portrait by Kiprensky reflects the artist's ability to adapt his Romantic sensibility to female subjects of aristocratic standing. Kiprensky's portraits of women occupy a distinct register from his male portraits — more delicate in colouring, softer in handling, yet no less psychologically engaged. The National Museum in Warsaw acquired the work, which reflects the shared cultural networks between Russian and Polish aristocratic families during the early nineteenth century. The painting demonstrates Kiprensky's awareness of Western European female portraiture, particularly the French tradition of Vigée Le Brun, whose influence on Russian society portraiture was profound, while retaining his own distinctively Romantic treatment of light and mood.

The canvas shows Kiprensky's characteristically light touch in female portraiture, with thin, luminous flesh tones and delicate transitions between lit and shadowed areas of the face. The drapery and costume are handled with a softness of touch that flatters the sitter while maintaining structural clarity. A warm, diffuse light source models the features without harsh contrasts.