The National Gallery of the Komi Republic houses an Empire portrait — “Lady with a Red Shawl” by an unknown artist. The genre of painting is typical of the Empire style. As a rule, an Empire portrait featured an aristocrat or, rarer, a military commander, dressed according to the fashion of their time. A woman would usually be shown dressed in pseudo-archaic clothes. Portraits were characterized by simple compositions, static poses, and typical neoclassical elements in the background, such as antique columns, drapery (often red), and park vegetation. All these features are present in the displayed portrait.
This is a half-length, front-face portrait of a woman against a neutral dark background. She has an oval face, black eyes, looking directly at the viewer, a large nose, and a half-smile on her lips. Black curls are falling over her forehead. The woman is wearing a white Empire-style dress with long sleeves and a high collar that reveals her neck. A red shawl is draped over her shoulders. Her hands are folded in front of her, with the left resting on top of the right.
The Empire style was a movement in painting, architecture, and applied arts that is considered the last phase of Classicism. Its name clearly indicates its nature. This expressly majestic, pompous, and monumental style originated in France in the first third of the 19th century. It spread across Europe during the reign of Napoleon Bonaparte, primarily in the regions under his influence. It became an artistic representation of military power, glory, and luxury.
The Empire style was based on classical culture. Joséphine, the wife of Napoleon Bonaparte, was a great admirer of this style. She was often depicted wearing high-waist dresses with a flared skirt. It was under her guidance that the couturier LeRoy made such dresses for the entire imperial court. The distinctive features of an Empire dress are a short bodice with a ribbon tied at the back in a beautiful bow. The skirt falls in loose, flowing folds. In front, the dress usually has a straight silhouette that skims the body.
