The Hendrix Analysis

When the Hermitage was opened to the public in 1852, it was the only European museum outside of England that had a collection of English painting. Though it is relatively small and consists of only 450 paintings [1], the collection is still incredibly valuable as it includes the works of Joshua Reynolds, Thomas Gainsborough and other recognized masters of the heyday of a national school of painting.
The urgency of this work stems from the fact that even now the Hermitage collection of English painting (rooms 298-300) is considered to be unique as works of British artists rarely are found in the museums of continental Europe. Therefore, the Hermitage is an exception as it demonstrates some of the most interesting works of the English art of

In addition to the paintings of Italian and Flemish painters, the collection included many works of British artists [1].
Another painting by Reynolds is «Cupid Untying the Zone of Venus», which is considered to be his «most elegant work» [2]; it was ordered by Prince Grigory Potemkin and was created in 1788. The notional and compositional center of the painting is a blue belt – the Belt of Venus, where it was believed all the charm, love and desires were maintained. Another interesting thing is that there are no snakes lurking near Venus’ elbow, which distinguishes the Hermitage’s exhibit from the original one kept in The Royal Academy of Arts [4].
Other well-known masterpiece, presented at the Hermitage, is the «Portrait of a Lady in Blue» (1780) by Thomas Gainsborough (1727–1788) [5]. This work attracts with its poetic inspiration rather than with its spectacular glamor. In this portrait, a young woman in white dress is presented. Delicate modesty, calmness of the sight and exquisite restraint of the pose make this fine lady poetic embodiment of youth and beauty. Blue, gray, pink and white shades insensibly transform into one another, avoiding sharp contrasts. Translucent dress of the duchess merges with her skin, making an organic whole with the body. Painting is built on subtle colour ratio, and free technique of the master gives the portrait trembling breath