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General Theodore Petrovitch Uvarov (1773/4-1824)
Thomas Lawrence·1818
Historical Context
General Theodore Uvarov commanded the Russian cavalry at Borodino and was among the allied commanders who pursued Napoleon's forces across Europe in 1813–14. Lawrence painted him in 1818 as part of the Windsor Castle series documenting the victorious coalition leaders. This ambitious commission, arranged by the Prince Regent, sent Lawrence across Europe to paint every major coalition leader; the resulting Waterloo Chamber series is one of the greatest portrait projects in British art history.
Technical Analysis
The military uniform, heavy with gold braid and decorations, gives Lawrence scope for some of his most bravura passages of paint. Thick impasto catches the light on metallic surfaces, while the face is rendered with more restrained, careful brushwork that conveys martial determination.
Look Closer
- ◆Notice the spectacular gold braid and decorations: thick impasto catching light on metallic surfaces — Lawrence's bravura handling of military regalia.
- ◆Look at the contrast between the heavily decorated uniform and the weathered, battle-hardened face: decoration versus the soldier's reality.
- ◆Observe the Royal Collection Windsor setting: Uvarov represents the Russian cavalry that pursued Napoleon across Europe.
- ◆Find the restrained, careful brushwork in the face contrasting with the bravura passages in the uniform: Lawrence differentiates his technique deliberately.
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