Artwork

Portrait of Grigory V. Rosen (1782-1841) (1st)

Portrait of Grigory V. Rosen (1782-1841) (1st), by Unknown, oil, 1822
Portrait of Grigory V. Rosen (1782-1841) (1st), by Unknown, oil, 1822

Portrait of Grigory V. Rosen (1782-1841) (1st) is an oil painting by the Realist artist Unknown. It dates from 1822 and is held in the collection of the Hermitage Museum. This portrait, executed in oil paint, presents a dignified representation of Grigory V.

About this work

Overview

5 centimeters, the painting is part of the Military Gallery of the Winter Palace and is currently held by the State Hermitage Museum in St.

Portrait of Grigory V. Rosen (1782-1841) (1st) is an oil on canvas painting dated to 1822, depicting the military officer Georg Andreas von Rosen. The work is attributed to the workshop of George Dawe, though some accounts credit Dawe directly. Measuring 70 by 62.5 centimeters, the painting is part of the Military Gallery of the Winter Palace and is currently held by the State Hermitage Museum in St. Petersburg.

Subject & Meaning

The painting is a half-length military portrait of Georg Andreas von Rosen, also known as Grigory V. Rosen. He is shown facing slightly to his right while making direct eye contact with the viewer. His dark military coat features a high collar trimmed with red and gold embroidery, heavy fringed gold epaulettes, and elaborate gold aiguillettes draped across his chest. The numerous decorations he wears, including a cross-shaped medal at the collar, two circular medals with ribbons, a star-shaped badge, and an iron cross, serve as iconographic markers of his military rank, valor, and distinguished service.

Technique & Style

Executed in oil paint on canvas, the portrait demonstrates a clear division in handling and finish. The face of the sitter is rendered with a smooth, polished surface, whereas the gold elements of the uniform and the warm brown background exhibit more textured brushwork. The composition is illuminated from the left, casting the right shoulder and side of the figure into shadow while brightly highlighting the face and left shoulder. Over time, the paint surface has developed fine craquelure throughout.

History & Provenance

Created in 1822, with some sources indicating a completion date no later than 1825, the painting was produced for the Military Gallery of the Winter Palace in St. Petersburg. The work remains in the collection of the State Hermitage Museum, continuing its original institutional provenance within the former imperial residence.

Context

The portrait belongs to the extensive series of military portraits commissioned for the Winter Palace, a project largely driven by the workshop of George Dawe. While Dawe is sometimes credited as the sole author, the designation of the workshop as the creator reflects the collaborative nature of these large-scale imperial commissions, where assistants often contributed to the execution of the canvases under the master's direction.

Portrait of Alexander V. Rosen (1779-1832) (2nd)
Portrait of Alexander V. Rosen (1779-1832) (2nd), George Dawe

Artist & collection

Artist

Unknown

entity whose identity is not known

Hermitage Museum

Museum

Hermitage Museum

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This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: Hermitage Museum open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.

Frequently asked questions

Who painted Portrait of Grigory V. Rosen (1782-1841) (1st)?

Portrait of Grigory V. Rosen (1782-1841) (1st) was painted by Unknown in 1822.

Where can I see Portrait of Grigory V. Rosen (1782-1841) (1st)?

Portrait of Grigory V. Rosen (1782-1841) (1st) is held by Hermitage Museum.

What movement is Portrait of Grigory V. Rosen (1782-1841) (1st)?

Portrait of Grigory V. Rosen (1782-1841) (1st) is associated with Realism.