Artwork

Portrait of Matvey Ye. Khrapovitsky (1784-1847) (replica of the 1821 portrait)

Portrait of Matvey Ye. Khrapovitsky (1784-1847) (replica of the 1821 portrait) is an oil painting by George Dawe. It dates from 1822 and is held in the collection of the Hermitage Museum.

About this work

Overview

George Dawe, an English portraitist who settled in Saint Petersburg in 1819, created this oil painting in 1822 as a copy of his 1821 portrait of Matvey Ye. Khrapovitsky (1784‑1847). The work belongs to the State Hermitage Museum and exemplifies Dawe’s focus on Russian military figures during the early nineteenth century.

Subject & Meaning

The sitter, Matvey Khrapovitsky, was a participant in the events surrounding Napoleon’s 1812 invasion of Russia. He is shown in full military dress, his gaze directed at the viewer, conveying a restrained confidence that reflects his role as a seasoned officer.

Technique & Style

Dawe renders the uniform’s black fabric and gold epaulets with meticulous brushwork, while the medals and a prominent cross‑shaped award are painted with precise detailing. The warm, golden background provides a subtle contrast, highlighting the figure’s face, which is modeled with fine tonal gradations.

History & Provenance

After its completion, the replica entered the Hermitage’s collection, joining Dawe’s extensive series of portraits of Russian generals—329 works commissioned for the Military Gallery of the Winter Palace. The painting remains a documented example of Dawe’s prolific output for the Russian court.

Context

Dawe’s career in Russia was marked by his ability to blend Western portrait conventions with the expectations of Russian aristocracy and military elite. This portrait aligns with his broader project of documenting the nation’s military leadership in the aftermath of the Napoleonic wars.

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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.

Museum

Hermitage Museum

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