The newly rich decided that they could look down on everyone else and treat them in a boorishly dismissive manner. Perov received the title of Academician of Painting for this painting when he showed it at an exhibition at the Academy of Arts.

It was after the trip to Ravenna that the “Golden Period” in Klimt's work began, when he actively used gold. In the painting, the moment of the kiss, not the kiss itself, but its anticipation, is surprisingly well chosen.

And how to refuse a conversation with intelligent and educated people in a cozy and rich living room of the artist, a good treat with expensive wine and interesting amusements. This is a kind of "glamorous" excursion into history, where everything ugly is forgotten.

He was remarkably accurate in combining humor and tragedy, and could joke about things that were not to be joked about at all. In general, this is not a portrait, but an unconcealed mockery, although it is possible that even such an ugly duchess may well have a husband.

She conquered many with her gentle character, incomparable beauty and natural charm. With her meekness and humility, she resembles the image of the Madonna. But in that picture there are more differences than similarities.

It was as if he had photographed a piece of river scenery with an expensive professional camera. It is precisely this inordinate precision that became one of the principles enunciated by the Pre-Raphaelites.