Dmitry Grigoryevich Levitsky
In the 1770s Catherine II commissioned Levitsky to paint a series of Smolyanki, which consisted of seven portraits of the pupils of the Smolny Institute for Noble Maidens, a privileged educational establishment that was opened in St. Petersburg in 1764 by decree of the Empress. Daughters of the nobles were preparing there for the Royal Court service and secular life. Talents that were "pleasant in society" were developed in girls. They were taught French and German languages, elegant manners, as well as singing, dancing, and playing musical instruments. The performances were often held in the Smolny Institute. Smolyanki acted out French comedies and also performed in a ballet.
Borscheva (Barscheva) Natalia Semenovna (1758–1843) was the daughter of S.I. Borschev, a retired furjer (the lower rank of non-commissioned officers). From 1764 to 1776 she studied at the institute; she graduated with a gold medal and the insignia (cipher) of Catherine II designed as a brooch in the shape of the Empress initial. In 1776 Borscheva Natalia Semenovna was the maid of honor of the Grand Duchess Maria Feodorovna. K.S. Musin-Pushkin was her first husband; the second was Major-General von der Hoven.
Borscheva (Barscheva) Natalia Semenovna is depicted in a ball gown in which she danced at a ball in the institute. We present today's painting thanks to the State Russian Museum.
P.S. Here are more portraits and information about these talented girls called Smolyanki!