A. P. Antropov - the first Russian portrait painter of Catherine II: on the dialogicity of traditions

The dialogicity of traditions in the work of A. P. Antropov has not previously been given due attention by researchers. For the first time, the article attempts to consider it as a significant component of the portraitist’s artistic language. To demonstrate this hypothesis, the authors examine both major and little-known works about which critics have given conflicting evaluations. The authors conclude that the dialogic nature of traditions in A.P. Antropov’s portrait painting expresses the essence of his work, which was due to the historical and political specifics of the era, Catherine II’s aesthetic preferences, and the artistic priorities of the painter himself.