Artwork

Portrait of Fyodor I. Masolov (17671-1844)

Portrait of Fyodor I. Masolov (17671-1844), by George Dawe, oil, 1826
Portrait of Fyodor I. Masolov (17671-1844), by George Dawe, oil, 1826

Portrait of Fyodor I. Masolov (17671-1844) is an oil painting by the British Romanticist artist George Dawe. It dates from 1826 and is held in the collection of the Hermitage Museum.

About this work

If you like this style of portrait, check out the State Hermitage Museum for more historical military paintings.

This is a portrait of a man in a military uniform. His jacket is black with bright gold braid and red trim, and he wears a row of medals on his chest. The background is plain and light, keeping all focus on him. His face has a serious expression, with dark hair and a neatly trimmed beard.

The signature in the corner says it was painted by George Dawe in 1826. The uniform and medals suggest he was a high-ranking officer, possibly a marshal.

If you like this style of portrait, check out the State Hermitage Museum for more historical military paintings.

Overview

George Dawe’s 1826 canvas presents Fyodor Ivanovich Masolov in full military regalia. The composition isolates the general against a light, unadorned backdrop, directing attention to his uniform, medals and solemn expression. The work resides in the State Hermitage Museum, exemplifying Dawe’s portraiture of Russian military figures during the early nineteenth century.

Subject & Meaning

Fyodor I. Masolov (1767–1844) was a senior Russian officer who participated in the campaigns against Napoleon. The portrait emphasizes his rank and service through the elaborate gold braid, red trim, and the array of decorations displayed on his chest, conveying authority, honor and the martial values of the era.

Technique & Style

Dawe employs a restrained palette, contrasting the dark uniform with a pale background to achieve a clear delineation of form. Fine brushwork renders the texture of the fabric and the gleam of medals, while the sitter’s face is rendered with modest chiaroscuro, highlighting the seriousness of his demeanor without excessive dramatization.

History & Provenance

Born in England in 1781, Dawe relocated to Saint Petersburg in 1819, where he became a favored portraitist among the Russian elite. The painting was signed by the artist in the lower corner and entered the Hermitage’s collection as part of its extensive holdings of early‑nineteenth‑century Russian military portraiture.

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

Continue through works from the same source collection.

This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: Hermitage Museum open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.