Karl Bryullov
1799–1852
Karl Bryullov trained at the St Petersburg Academy and worked extensively in Italy. Academic draughtsmanship met a Romantic interest in movement, striking illumination and expressive individuals. Private patrons, including Countess Yulia Samoilova, supported ambitious portraits. The Horsewoman, exhibited in Milan in 1832, brought early European success. Bryullov expanded portraiture into scenes where clothing, animals, architecture and gesture all contributed to a sitter’s public presentation.
