Where can I see Portrait of Seweryn Madan, officer of the guard cavalry staff?

Portrait of Seweryn Madan, officer of the guard cavalry staff is held by National Museum in Warsaw.

What movement is Portrait of Seweryn Madan, officer of the guard cavalry staff?

Portrait of Seweryn Madan, officer of the guard cavalry staff is associated with Biedermeier.

Artwork

Portrait of Seweryn Madan, officer of the guard cavalry staff

Portrait of Seweryn Madan, officer of the guard cavalry staff is an oil painting by the Biedermeier artist Aleksander Kokular. It dates from 1822 and is held in the collection of the National Museum in Warsaw.

About this work

Overview

Aleksander Kokular painted the portrait of Seweryn Madan, an officer of the guard cavalry staff, in 1822. Executed in oil, the work exemplifies the Biedermeier aesthetic with its clear rendering and focus on a single, private figure. The painting is part of the National Museum in Warsaw’s collection.

Subject & Meaning

The sitter, Seweryn Madan, is depicted in a dark blue uniform trimmed with gold braid, his face turned slightly left. Medals and insignia adorn his attire, indicating his rank, while his composed, solemn expression conveys a sense of duty and authority.

Technique & Style

Kokular employs a restrained palette and smooth brushwork typical of Biedermeier portraiture, emphasizing realism and intimate presence. The muted, dark background isolates the figure, allowing the details of the uniform and facial features to emerge with clarity.

History & Provenance

Created early in Kokular’s career, the portrait reflects his reputation as a portraitist and his involvement in Warsaw’s artistic circles, including the School of Fine Arts he co‑founded. The painting entered the National Museum in Warsaw, where it remains on display.