Who painted Karl von Pirch?

Karl von Pirch was painted by George Dawe in 1821.

Where can I see Karl von Pirch?

Karl von Pirch is held by Hermitage Museum.

What movement is Karl von Pirch?

Karl von Pirch is associated with British Romanticism.

Can I buy a print of Karl von Pirch?

Museum-quality prints of Karl von Pirch are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.

Artwork

Karl von Pirch

George Dawe , 1821

Karl von Pirch is an oil painting by the British Romanticist artist George Dawe. It dates from 1821 and is held in the collection of the Hermitage Museum.

About this work

Overview

George Dawe’s 1821 oil portrait presents Karl von Pirch in full military regalia. Executed in the early nineteenth‑century British Romantic style, the work now belongs to the State Hermitage Museum’s collection.

Subject & Meaning

The canvas depicts von Pirch wearing a vivid red coat trimmed with gold braid, its shoulders edged with fringe. Medals and ribbons adorn his chest, highlighted by a prominent star‑shaped award, while his solemn expression conveys the dignity of a career officer.

Technique & Style

Dawe employs smooth, modelling brushwork to render the sitter’s facial features, achieving a three‑dimensional effect. The metallic gold of the uniform’s trim is painted to catch light, contrasting sharply with the dark, unadorned background that isolates the figure.

History & Provenance

Born to mezzotint engraver Philip Dawe, George Dawe moved to Saint Petersburg in 1819, where he quickly attracted the patronage of Russian cultural elites, including poet Alexander Pushkin. The portrait was created shortly after his relocation and later entered the Hermitage’s holdings.

Portrait of Nikolai N. Khovansky (1777-1837), George Dawe

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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.