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Alexander Ivanovitch, Prince Chernichev (1786-1857)
Thomas Lawrence·1818
Historical Context
Prince Alexander Chernichev was a Russian cavalry general and diplomat who fought with distinction against Napoleon and attended the Congress of Vienna. Lawrence painted him in 1818 as part of his monumental project to portray the allied leaders who defeated Napoleon, commissioned by George IV for the Waterloo Chamber at Windsor Castle. Chernichev had also served as a spy in Paris before the 1812 invasion of Russia, gathering intelligence that proved invaluable to the Russian campaign.
Technical Analysis
Lawrence captures the dashing cavalry officer with characteristic panache, the military uniform rendered with attention to decorations and the rich fabric of the hussar jacket. The face combines aristocratic refinement with the alertness of a soldier and intelligence agent, the bright eyes conveying the energy that drove Chernichev's remarkable career.
Look Closer
- ◆Notice the hussar jacket rendered with attention to its rich fabric and decorations: Lawrence gives the Russian cavalry officer appropriate military splendor.
- ◆Look at the bright, alert eyes conveying both aristocratic refinement and the intelligence of a man who served as a spy.
- ◆Observe the Royal Collection Waterloo Chamber context: Chernichev among the Allied leaders represents Russia's military contribution.
- ◆Find the dashing quality Lawrence projects: Chernichev's remarkable career — soldier, spy, and diplomat — demanded the most energetic of Lawrence's treatments.
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