Portrait of Ferdinand Vintsingerode (1770-1818)

The artist employed oil paint on canvas to achieve a smooth, highly finished surface, particularly in the rendering of the face and metallic details. The composition divides the background between a deep red draped curtain on the right and a pale, hazy sky with soft clouds and a glimpse of green landscape on the left. The palette is dominated by deep reds, blacks, and golds, complemented by warm flesh tones. Light falls evenly on the face and uniform, modeling the features without strong contrasts. The surface of the painting currently exhibits visible craquelure.

The inception of the painting is dated to 1822, though some records indicate a broader creation window between 1822 and 1825. The work is cataloged in the Hermitage Museum under accession number 39094. It was produced in the workshop of George Dawe, the British portraitist commissioned by Emperor Alexander I to paint the generals of the Napoleonic Wars for the Military Gallery of the Winter Palace. Because Wintzingerode died in 1818, the portrait was executed posthumously, relying on workshop collaboration to complete the extensive commission.

The portrait was created as part of the monumental Military Gallery of the Winter Palace, a project initiated by Alexander I to commemorate the generals who fought in the Patriotic War of 1812 and the subsequent foreign campaigns. George Dawe was the principal artist for this gallery, though he relied heavily on his workshop to produce the hundreds of portraits required. The depiction of Wintzingerode aligns with the standardized format of the gallery, emphasizing military regalia and rank. Wintzingerode's historical significance extends beyond his military career; he also appears as a character in Leo Tolstoy's War and Peace.