Portrait of Tishin 

Editor: This oil painting is titled "Portrait of Tishin," and is held at the Hermitage Museum. It presents a formal portrait, yet there’s something almost unsettling in the sitter's gaze. What do you see in this piece beyond the traditional portraiture? Curator: I see a study in the performance of power. This portrait isn't just about representation; it's about constructing a very specific image of authority. Notice how the direct gaze attempts to assert dominance, but the slightly unfocused expression hints at something more complex, perhaps a vulnerability beneath the surface. How does the opulence of his garments contribute to the narrative? Editor: They seem intended to impress, but the overall effect is more stolid than powerful, even if the color contrast makes it a point. Does this say something about societal expectations of men during that era? Curator: Absolutely. This image reflects a very particular historical and social context. The sitter is projecting wealth and status but the softness of features works against the stoic ideal. We might even see this as a critique of the superficiality of aristocratic identity—all show, perhaps less substance. How might contemporary viewers interpret this contrast between assumed authority and underlying unease? Editor: Maybe we see that this type of power, which is entirely visible, becomes fragile. Thank you! Curator: Indeed, the power isn’t just performative, it’s precariously held. Seeing the historical performance of masculinity gives us a fresh understanding of portraiture's role in society.