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Portrait of Alexander A. Tuchkov (1777/78-1812) (4th)

George Dawe , 1823

Portrait of Alexander A. Tuchkov (1777/78-1812) (4th), by George Dawe, oil, 1823
Portrait of Alexander A. Tuchkov (1777/78-1812) (4th), by George Dawe, oil, 1823

Portrait of Alexander A. Tuchkov (1777/78-1812) (4th) is an oil painting by George Dawe. It dates from 1823 and is held in the collection of the Hermitage Museum.

About this work

Overview

George Dawe’s 1823 oil portrait depicts Alexander A. Tuchkov, a Russian general honored in the Winter Palace’s Military Gallery. Executed in Saint Petersburg after Dawe’s 1819 relocation, the work now belongs to the State Hermitage Museum’s collection.

Subject & Meaning

Tuchkov is presented in a dark uniform trimmed with gold, his right hand resting on his abdomen, and a richly decorated cross suspended from a ribbon at his throat. The solemn expression—furrowed brow, down‑cast eyes, firm mouth—conveys a restrained authority appropriate to a military commander of the 1812 campaign.

Technique & Style

Dawe employs chiaroscuro to model the figure, allowing the illuminated face and gilded details of the uniform to emerge from a muted, indistinct background that hints at a landscape. The contrast of light and shadow gives the portrait a three‑dimensional presence while maintaining a controlled, formal tone.

History & Provenance

After arriving in Russia in 1819, Dawe received commissions to record officers who fought Napoleon’s 1812 invasion. This portrait was part of that series and was later acquired by the Hermitage, where it remains on display as part of the museum’s Russian military portrait collection.

Artist & collection

Portrait of George Dawe

Artist

George Dawe

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.

Hermitage Museum

Museum

Hermitage Museum

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This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: Hermitage Museum open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.In the collection of Hermitage Museum. Compiled & edited by , Editor & Founder.