Portrait of Feodor Rostopchin 1822

Orest Kiprensky made this portrait of Feodor Rostopchin using the lithographic process. Lithography, which involves drawing on a stone or metal plate with a greasy crayon, was a relatively new printmaking technology at the time. The dense network of lines gives depth and volume to the sitter's figure. You can see the way the artist manipulated the crayon to achieve different tonal effects, from the soft shadows on Rostopchin's face to the stark contrast of his coat. Lithography allowed for a greater range of tones and textures than traditional engraving methods. This print conveys a remarkable sense of immediacy and intimacy. Consider the social context. Lithography democratized image production, making it possible to create and disseminate images more widely and cheaply than ever before. In this portrait, Kiprensky harnesses the potential of this relatively new medium, to create a lasting impression of a prominent figure, while also hinting at broader shifts in society and the world of art.