Mikhail Desnitsky (1761-1821, actual name Matvei Mikhailovich) is depicted here in Episcopal vestments wearing a panagia, cross and the Order of St John of Jerusalem and Saint Anna. The painting is saturated in rich, decorative colours based on a combination of red, black and golds. Mikhail Desnitsky was the son of a sexton and studied at the Seminary of the Sergiev-Troitsky Monastery. He attended a theology course in the Moscow Theological Academy and also a course of lectures in the Moscow University. He was close to the Masons. After receiving an excellent education, he went to serve in the church of St. John the Warrior on ‘Yakimanka’. All of Moscow flocked to listen to his sermons, drawn by their clarity, candour and simplicity. Catherine the Great herself was a great admirer of his. The talented preacher was transferred to St.Petersburg. In 1799 he was widowed and took the vows. He was elevated to the rank of Archimandrite and in 1802 was made Bishop of Starorussky. He held the chair in Chernigov from 1803-1818 and in 1814 became a member of the Holy Synod. His best sermons were gathered in special collections.
State Tretyakov Gallery, Moscow