Post #4558

The Animated Portrait of Maria Ivanovna Lopukhina – a painting by Vladimir Borovikovsky, 1797 🔻The portrait of Maria Ivanovna Lopukhina is not only a masterpiece of art but also the source of numerous legends. 🔻The young Countess was known for her aristocratic beauty. However, her life was cut short: she died of consumption at the age of 24. 🔻There are many versions of the causes of her early death. Some link the tragedy to her father's mystical pursuits, others to the fashion for light muslin dresses that offered no protection from the cold and contributed to illness. 🔻After Maria's death, mystical rumors arose surrounding the portrait. 🔻It was said that the Countess's spirit was trapped within the painting, and that it was dangerous for young women to look at it. 🔻However, the staff of the Tretyakov Gallery, where the portrait is kept, have not recorded any such incidents. #brief_and_interesting 😎RCRussian | Support | Boost