Elena Kurakina, nee. Apraksina 1765

Dmitry Levitzky painted Elena Kurakina, nee Apraksina, using oil on canvas, a technique deeply rooted in the history of European painting. Levitsky's application of paint is smooth and precise, but it's not just about the technical skill. The very nature of oil paint, its capacity for blending and layering, allows the artist to convey a sense of luxury and refinement. The smooth, luminous quality of the paint mirrors the opulent fabrics worn by Elena Kurakina. The act of painting, especially portraiture, was in itself a marker of social status. Only the wealthy could afford to commission such works, turning art into a commodity. Think of the labor involved: from grinding pigments to stretching the canvas, each step required specialized knowledge and resources. The act of painting, particularly portraiture, served as a marker of social standing and the wealth necessary to procure it. This work challenges us to think about the relationship between art, labor, and social class.