Portrait of Alexander, Prince of Wurttemberg (1771-1833)

Dawe executed the portrait in oil paint on canvas, employing a strong lighting scheme that falls from the left, illuminating the face, hair, and gold elements while leaving the coat and background in shadow. The background is dark and indistinct, with a warm brownish tone behind the sitter's head, which isolates the figure and intensifies his presence. The brushwork varies across the composition, appearing smooth and polished on the face, while more textured, impasto application is used for the gold epaulettes and decorations to convey their material richness. The paint surface shows fine craquelure throughout. The overall style is one of studied formality, prioritizing the precise rendering of insignia and rank to project authority and power.

The portrait was created between 1823 and 1825 in St. Petersburg, with the inception date recorded as 1825. It was produced for the Military Gallery of the Winter Palace, a monumental commission to portray generals who had distinguished themselves during the Napoleonic Wars. The painting is identified with Hermitage Museum work ID 39073. The artwork is attributed to George Dawe and his workshop, a common practice for the extensive Military Gallery commission. The image of the prince was later reproduced in the Military Encyclopedia published by the book publishing partnership of Ivan Dmitrievich Sytin in St. Petersburg between 1911 and 1915.