Who painted Portrait of Leonty L. Bennigsen (Levin) (1745-1826)?

Portrait of Leonty L. Bennigsen (Levin) (1745-1826) was painted by George Dawe in 1822.

Where can I see Portrait of Leonty L. Bennigsen (Levin) (1745-1826)?

Portrait of Leonty L. Bennigsen (Levin) (1745-1826) is held by Hermitage Museum.

What movement is Portrait of Leonty L. Bennigsen (Levin) (1745-1826)?

Portrait of Leonty L. Bennigsen (Levin) (1745-1826) is associated with British Romanticism.

Can I buy a print of Portrait of Leonty L. Bennigsen (Levin) (1745-1826)?

Museum-quality prints of Portrait of Leonty L. Bennigsen (Levin) (1745-1826) are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.

Artwork

Portrait of Leonty L. Bennigsen (Levin) (1745-1826)

George Dawe , 1822

Portrait of Leonty L. Bennigsen (Levin) (1745-1826) is an oil painting by the British Romanticist artist George Dawe. It dates from 1822 and is held in the collection of the Hermitage Museum.

About this work

Overview

Painted in 1822 by English portraitist George Dawe, *Portrait of Leonty L. Bennigsen* is an oil-on-canvas work depicting Levin August von Bennigsen, a distinguished Russian general. The piece is characteristic of the British Romanticism style.

Subject & Meaning

The portrait captures General Levin August von Bennigsen in later life, emphasizing his military stature through meticulous detail on his adorned dark blue uniform. The calm, serious expression and prominent display of medals and insignia underscore his esteemed rank and experience, notably his role in Napoleon's Russian campaign.

Technique & Style

Dawe employed characteristic British Romanticism techniques, focusing on the subject's dignity and the play of light on metallic decorations. The plain, dark background contrasts with the vibrant, intricately rendered uniform, drawing attention to Bennigsen's honors and status.

History & Provenance

Created during Dawe's Saint Petersburg period (after 1819), the portrait is now part of the State Hermitage Museum's collection, reflecting Dawe's acclaim among the Russian artistic elite, including recognition from poet Alexander Pushkin.

Context

The work reflects the cultural exchange of Dawe's relocation to Russia, blending British Romantic portraiture with the subject's significance in Russian military history, particularly the Napoleonic Wars.

Legacy

As part of the Hermitage's holdings, the portrait contributes to the museum's collection of early 19th-century European portraiture, offering insight into both Dawe's oeuvre and the historical figure of Bennigsen.

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Artist & collection

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.