The portrait depicts the brother of the artist, the priest Peter Levitsky. The work was written at the latest stage of the master’s work, when the glory of the largest Russian painter, leadership of the portrait class of the Imperial Academy of Arts, dozens of students, active participation in the cultural life of Russia in the era of Catherine II remained in the past.
The portraits of Levitsky of this period are characterized by a smooth, “enamel” painting style, a few local colors, a coldish objectivity, a certain detachment in the perception of the model. It is often said that in this work Levitsky reached almost Rembrandt strength and depth. The basis for this statement is, on the one hand, the special humanity and penetration of the image, on the other hand, the artist’s bold and masterful use of expressive means of light and shade.
The whole portrait is immersed in a deep, thick and at the same time transparent shadow. Only a face with parchment skin framed by gray hair and a beard and a wrinkled face protrudes from the darkness. The eyes – once blue, and now as if faded by time – reflect the still hard work of thought. Great human wisdom is the result of this long life. Light movement of light and shadows on the face and clothes, a deep, warm gamut of colors enhance the impression of the image.
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