The sitter of this portrait is Maria Feodorovna, née Sophie Marie Dorothea Auguste Luise of Württemberg (b. 1759, Stettin – d. 1828, Pavlovsk). At the time this portrait was made, she held the title of Grand Duchess, being the second wife of Heir apparent to the Russian throne, Grand Duke Paul, later Emperor Paul I. Their marriage produced ten children, among them two Emperors – Alexander I and Nicholas I.

The portrait came from the collection of the State Art Gallery of Sumy in 1956 and was attributed to an unknown artist. It is a 19th century shoulder-length copy from a famous ceremonial portrait by a Swedish Rococo painter Alexander Roslin (b. 1718, Malmö – d. 1793, Paris).

Alexander Roslin worked in Russia from 1775 to 1777 and was one of the best-known painters of the Rossica movement – the term is used to describe the grand style of Western European painters working in Russia during the 18th – first half of the 19th centuries. One of the best painters of portraits and miniatures, Roslin made several portraits of Empress Catherine II and her courtiers. His works are defined by the reverence of complexion as well as by exquisite color palette.

Although a copy by an unknown artist, the portrait is marked by soft light, absence of contrasted hues or deep shadows. Grand Duchess is portrayed from three-quarter on a plain dark background. A perfect posture illustrates her high rank. Sensuality and elegance are indicative of the Rococo-era fashion. Aristocratic women were supposed to have a wasp waist, miniature breast, small head and narrow shoulders.

The background is dark on the left and lighter on the right side, but still contrasting with the snow-white skin of the sitter. A light smile appears on her pleasant round face, and her eyes are calm, full of dignity and look straight into the viewer’s eye. The copyist was attentive to the details: minute folds of the fabric, heavy eyelids, naturally thick eyebrows and pink plump lips are painted with much confidence.

The colors are nuanced and reserved – mostly opalescent, pearly or coral-red.

Elaborate details are integral to the portrait: lace, ribbons, folds of fabric, pearls and diamonds, the shine of the medal star are all quite natural. Meanwhile, the painting manner is very smooth and blended.