A portrait of Vasily Bibikov, one of the wealthiest people of Tula Governorate, was painted in 1838 by Vasily Tropinin, a Russian portraitist of the first half of the 19th century.
Bibikovs are known in Russia. They were active participants of state construction: Voyevodas, district marshals of the nobility, and governors. Vasily Bibikov, depicted by Tropinin, was the Cornet of the Guard in retirement. He was an extremely educated man and collected the rarest library in the ancestral estate of Ekaterininskoye Epifansky Uyezd. This house was often visited by artists, poets, writers — all creative elite of Tula province — and everyone found a cordial and hospitable host. Tropinin also visited Bibikov’s estate many times, where he created his portrait. From there, in 1919, the work entered the museum’s collection.
Bibikovs are known in Russia. They were active participants of state construction: Voyevodas, district marshals of the nobility, and governors. Vasily Bibikov, depicted by Tropinin, was the Cornet of the Guard in retirement. He was an extremely educated man and collected the rarest library in the ancestral estate of Ekaterininskoye Epifansky Uyezd. This house was often visited by artists, poets, writers — all creative elite of Tula province — and everyone found a cordial and hospitable host. Tropinin also visited Bibikov’s estate many times, where he created his portrait. From there, in 1919, the work entered the museum’s collection.
The portrait’s hero’s delicate features are illuminated by the special inner light and warmth of the soul, which the artist subtly caught. Vasily Bibikov’s look addressed to the audience is thoughtful and a little mocking, with a lively sparkle. Once, Tropinin advised one of his contemporaries:
