Artwork
Portrait of Alexander A. Bashilov (1777-1847/49)
Portrait of Alexander A. Bashilov (1777-1847/49) is an oil painting by George Dawe. It dates from 1823 and is held in the collection of the Hermitage Museum. Executed in oil in 1823, this portrait presents Alexander A.
About this work
Overview
Daew, who had settled in the Russian capital in 1819, was then establishing his reputation as a portraitist for the imperial elite.
Executed in oil in 1823, this portrait presents Alexander A. Bashilov, a Russian officer of the Napoleonic period, rendered by the English-born painter George Daew. The canvas measures a modest size and is now part of the State Hermitage Museum’s collection in Saint Petersburg. Daew, who had settled in the Russian capital in 1819, was then establishing his reputation as a portraitist for the imperial elite.
Subject & Meaning
Bashilov is shown with dark, curled hair and a solemn gaze, dressed in a black military coat trimmed with gold epaulettes and buttons, a vivid red collar, and a prominent medal pinned to his chest. The insignia signals a high rank and an official commendation, underscoring his status as a distinguished figure within the Russian military hierarchy of the early 19th century.
Technique & Style
Daew employs a restrained palette, allowing the dark uniform and bright red collar to stand out against a muted brown backdrop. The brushwork is smooth and precise, especially in the rendering of fabric folds and metallic details, while the sitter’s facial features are modeled with subtle chiaroscuro, giving the portrait a dignified, formal presence typical of Russian court portraiture of the era.
History & Provenance
After its completion, the painting entered the imperial collection and eventually was transferred to the State Hermitage Museum, where it remains on display. Daew’s tenure in Saint Petersburg from 1819 onward brought him numerous commissions from Russian officials, and this work exemplifies his role in documenting the nation’s military elite during the post‑Napoleonic years.
Artist & collection
Artist
George Dawe (6 February 1781 – 15 October 1829) was an English portraitist who painted 329 portraits of Russian generals active during Napoleon's invasion of Russia for the Military Gallery of the Winter Palace.
Portrait of Grand Duke Nikolai Pavlovich
Portrait of Grand Duchess Alexandra Fiodorovna with Children
Portrait of the Empress Dowager Maria Feodorovna
Portrait of Yegor M. Pillar (1767-1830)
Portrait of Alexei P. Yermolov (1772/77-1861)
Portrait of Miguel Ricardo de Alava
Portrait of Ivan D. Panchulidzev (1759-1815) (1st)
Portrait of Karl V. Budberg (1774-1829)
