Who painted Portrait of Pyotr I. Balabin (1776-1856)?

Portrait of Pyotr I. Balabin (1776-1856) was painted by George Dawe in 1824.

Where can I see Portrait of Pyotr I. Balabin (1776-1856)?

Portrait of Pyotr I. Balabin (1776-1856) is held by Hermitage Museum.

Can I buy a print of Portrait of Pyotr I. Balabin (1776-1856)?

Museum-quality prints of Portrait of Pyotr I. Balabin (1776-1856) are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.

Artwork

Portrait of Pyotr I. Balabin (1776-1856)

George Dawe , 1824

Portrait of Pyotr I. Balabin (1776-1856) is an oil painting by George Dawe. It dates from 1824 and is held in the collection of the Hermitage Museum.

About this work

Overview

In 1824 the English portraitist George Dawe created an oil painting of Pyotr Ivanovich Balabin while residing in Saint Petersburg. The work, now part of the State Hermitage Museum’s collection, presents the Russian figure in a formal military uniform against a dark, unadorned backdrop, directing attention to his face and decorations.

Subject & Meaning

Balabin, a Russian officer who lived through the era of Napoleon’s 1812 invasion, is depicted wearing a dark‑green coat trimmed in vivid red and adorned with several medals, indicating a senior rank and distinguished service. His composed, solemn expression, highlighted by careful lighting, conveys the dignity and authority associated with his position.

Technique & Style

Dawe employed a restrained palette, using the contrast between the deep background and the illuminated facial features to emphasize the sitter’s character. The brushwork is smooth and precise, particularly in rendering the fabric’s texture and the metallic sheen of the medals, reflecting the portrait’s realistic yet formal approach typical of early‑19th‑century Russian court portraiture.

History & Provenance

After moving to Russia in 1819, Dawe quickly gained favor among the Russian elite, receiving commendation from literary figures such as Alexander Pushkin. The portrait of Balabin was produced during this period of his Russian career and later entered the State Hermitage Museum, where it remains on display as part of the institution’s extensive collection of portraiture.

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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.