The history of the Kaluga merchant class spanned almost three centuries. With their efforts and resources, the Bilibins, Zolotaryovs, Torubayevs, Antipins, Terenins, and many other merchant families helped Kaluga grow and thrive as a commercial city. The construction of most of the city’s stone churches, charitable organizations, almshouses, and educational institutions was financed by merchants.
Merchants played a significant role in almost all spheres of Kaluga’s life, contributing greatly to the city’s prosperity. Apart from building a strong economy, merchants promoted the development of Russia’s cultural life, art, and architecture.
The portrait from the museum’s collection depicts Anna Torubayeva (Larina) — a representative of one of Kaluga’s most prominent merchant families. Anna was the sister of Ivan Torubayev, Kaluga’s mayor and a merchant of the second guild.
During the Patriotic War of 1812, Ivan Torubayev worked on ensuring the supply of the Russian army and the civilian population. In his letter dated September 30, 1812, the legendary commander Mikhail Kutuzov expressed gratitude to Torubayev for his loyal service to his country. The merchant was awarded a gold medal “For diligence” and a letter of appreciation from Emperor Alexander I.
To commemorate this occasion, a portrait of Ivan Torubayev was painted. It is kept in the museum along with the portrait of Anna Torubayeva. Her portrait has a static composition and a muted color palette, which is typical of merchant portraits created in the first half of the 19th century. The painter paid particular attention to accurately depicting the sitter’s age.
The artist painted an elderly woman wearing everyday clothes typical of a merchant’s wife. The woman decided to sit for this portrait wearing a white chemise with a dark brown sarafan (jumper dress) on top. The sarafan has a thin golden border at the upper edge and a small golden button.
The woman covered her shoulders with a dark woolen shawl, and hid her hair with a headscarf, with its edges tied into a small bow in front. The artist detailed the woman’s crossed hands resting on her knees. The combination of these elements helped craft a true-to-life image of the lady of the house and a partner to the head of a merchant family.
Merchants played a significant role in almost all spheres of Kaluga’s life, contributing greatly to the city’s prosperity. Apart from building a strong economy, merchants promoted the development of Russia’s cultural life, art, and architecture.
The portrait from the museum’s collection depicts Anna Torubayeva (Larina) — a representative of one of Kaluga’s most prominent merchant families. Anna was the sister of Ivan Torubayev, Kaluga’s mayor and a merchant of the second guild.
During the Patriotic War of 1812, Ivan Torubayev worked on ensuring the supply of the Russian army and the civilian population. In his letter dated September 30, 1812, the legendary commander Mikhail Kutuzov expressed gratitude to Torubayev for his loyal service to his country. The merchant was awarded a gold medal “For diligence” and a letter of appreciation from Emperor Alexander I.
To commemorate this occasion, a portrait of Ivan Torubayev was painted. It is kept in the museum along with the portrait of Anna Torubayeva. Her portrait has a static composition and a muted color palette, which is typical of merchant portraits created in the first half of the 19th century. The painter paid particular attention to accurately depicting the sitter’s age.
The artist painted an elderly woman wearing everyday clothes typical of a merchant’s wife. The woman decided to sit for this portrait wearing a white chemise with a dark brown sarafan (jumper dress) on top. The sarafan has a thin golden border at the upper edge and a small golden button.
The woman covered her shoulders with a dark woolen shawl, and hid her hair with a headscarf, with its edges tied into a small bow in front. The artist detailed the woman’s crossed hands resting on her knees. The combination of these elements helped craft a true-to-life image of the lady of the house and a partner to the head of a merchant family.
