A portrait of the industrialist Procope Demidov, painted by Dmitry Levitzky in 1773, showing the subject in a relaxed, informal domestic setting.

Dmitry Levitzky painted this portrait of the industrialist Procope Demidov in 1773. The work depicts the subject in a relaxed, informal manner, which was a departure from the rigid, formal portraiture common in the eighteenth century. Demidov stands in a domestic setting, wearing a dressing gown and a soft cap, rather than the formal attire expected of a man of his status. His posture is casual, with one hand resting on a metal watering can, suggesting his interest in gardening and botany.

The composition includes architectural elements, such as the classical columns in the background, which provide a sense of scale and structure. To the left, potted plants are arranged on a low bench, while a table to the right holds a book and other items. The lighting is soft, creating a gentle transition between the subject and the background. Levitzky uses a muted palette, allowing the warm tones of the subject's robe to draw the eye. The brushwork is precise, capturing the textures of the fabric and the metallic sheen of the watering can with clarity.

This portrait is part of a series of works by Levitzky that capture the personality of the Russian elite during the reign of Catherine the Great. By presenting Demidov in a private, rather than public, capacity, the artist provides a glimpse into the personal life of a wealthy landowner. The inclusion of the plants and the watering can serves to humanise the subject, moving away from the stiff iconography of the era. The painting remains a fine example of Russian portraiture from the late eighteenth century, demonstrating the artist's ability to balance technical skill with a sense of character.