Portrait of Elizabeth Petrovna Zhdanovich by Pavel Fedotov

With Zhdanovichi the artist was in close friendly relations. This family was for Fedotov native. The proximity to the models contributed to the creation of an intimate interpretation of images in which there is nothing romantic, deliberately exalted, elevated. But from the calm faces, the relaxed poses, the pensive eyes, the scattered looks radiate the beauty of the ordinary.

Elizaveta Petrovna demonstrates her gullibility and openness. Looking up from the book, she leaned forward and raised her head, staring at the viewer. This movement seems to be a living response to the human call, a pledge of spiritual communication. Elizaveta Petrovna Zhdanovich – the daughter of PV Zhdanovich and his first wife, AG Zhdanovich. Educated in the Imperial Educational Society of Noble Maidens at the Smolny Monastery, released in 1839 with distinction. In 1842 – 1855 she was a cool lady of this institution.