Portrait of Admiral Mikhail Lazarev

He holds a telescope in his right hand, a direct reference to his career as a navigator and explorer, while his left hand rests assertively on his hip.

Painted in 1873 by Georg von Bothmann, the Portrait of Admiral Mikhail Lazarev captures the distinguished Russian naval commander in his later years. The composition presents Lazarev in a three-quarter view, dressed in a formal black military uniform distinguished by gold epaulets and a blue sash, signifying his high rank. He holds a telescope in his right hand, a direct reference to his career as a navigator and explorer, while his left hand rests assertively on his hip. His short gray hair is styled in a pompadour, reflecting the grooming standards of the era. The background features a seascape with a sailing ship navigating open waters, contextualizing the subject within his maritime domain. Bothmann, a German painter active in Russia, executed this work during a period when he was frequently commissioned for official portraits of the Russian aristocracy and military elite. The painting serves as a formal commemoration of Lazarev's legacy, emphasizing his authority and connection to the sea through symbolic props and setting rather than narrative action.