The artwork, entitled “Countess Anna Protassowa with Niece,” is a portrait created by the artist Angelica Kauffman in 1788. This oil on canvas piece is a representation of the Neoclassical and Rococo art movements and measures 123 by 159 centimeters. Currently housed in the Hermitage Museum in Saint Petersburg, Russia, the artwork features a formidable sense of grace and refinement that encapsulates the period’s stylistic elements.
In the artwork, Countess Anna Protassowa is depicted alongside her niece, both figures exuding an aura of elegance and gentleness. The countess is portrayed wearing a light, flowing dress adorned with a delicate, blue bow and a cameo brooch, while her niece, clad in white with a pink sash, holds a locket in her hands. The backdrop is a serene outdoor setting with subdued, earthy tones that complement the soft expressions and tender interaction between the subjects. The clear delineation of textures in fabrics and skin tones, along with the detailed rendering of facial features, exemplifies Angelica Kauffman’s mastery and contributes to the intimate and refined atmosphere of the portrait.
