Artwork

Portrait of Alexander Lvov, Colonel of the Tiraspol Cavalry and Chasseurs Regiment

Portrait of Alexander Lvov, Colonel of the Tiraspol Cavalry and Chasseurs Regiment is an oil painting by Unknown. It dates from 1831 and is held in the collection of the Hermitage Museum. The work is an oil portrait depicting a uniformed officer, rendered with a dark backdrop that isolates the figure.

About this work

Overview

The work is an oil portrait depicting a uniformed officer, rendered with a dark backdrop that isolates the figure. The sitter is presented in a black military coat trimmed in gold, with prominent epaulettes, medals and a sash, conveying rank and decoration. His expression is solemn, his dark hair and moustache clearly defined, while a silver epaulet rests on his right shoulder.

Subject & Meaning

The portrait represents Alexander Lvov, identified as a colonel serving in the Tiraspol Cavalry and Chasseurs Regiment. The emphasis on his uniform, insignia and medals underscores his military status and the prestige associated with his command. The restrained demeanor and formal pose reflect the conventions of 19th‑century officer portraiture, intended to convey authority and personal honor.

Technique & Style

Executed in oil on canvas, the artist employs a limited palette dominated by deep blacks and muted tones, allowing the gold trim and metallic decorations to stand out. Subtle modeling of facial features and the texture of the fabric is achieved through layered brushwork, while the dark background creates a chiaroscuro effect that focuses attention on the subject’s face and regalia.

History & Provenance

The painting is part of the collection of the State Hermitage Museum in St. Petersburg. Its acquisition details are not specified in the source material, but the work is catalogued as a portrait of Colonel Alexander Lvov, linking it to the museum’s holdings of Russian military portraiture.

Portrait of Alexander A. Pisarev (1780-1848), Unknown

Artist & collection

Artist

Unknown

entity whose identity is not known

Museum

Hermitage Museum

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