Aleksandr Ivanovich Gresser, Russian Lieutenant General 

George Dawe painted this portrait of Aleksandr Ivanovich Gresser, a Russian Lieutenant General, in the early 19th century. It now resides in the Hermitage Museum in Saint Petersburg. Dawe, an English portrait artist, was commissioned to paint portraits of Russian generals who had served in the Napoleonic Wars. This project coincided with a surge in national pride and a desire to commemorate military heroes in Russia. The portrait emphasizes Gresser's status through his elaborate uniform, medals, and stern expression. These visual cues would have been easily recognized by viewers in the Russian court and military circles, reinforcing the established social hierarchy. This portrait participates in the construction of a heroic national narrative, while also reinforcing the power and prestige of the Russian military establishment. By studying the socio-political context and the institutional forces that shaped this artwork, we can gain a deeper understanding of its meaning and significance. Accessing historical records, military archives, and biographical information about the sitter sheds light on the painting’s public role.