Ivan Ivanovich Palicyn, Russian General 

This is a portrait of Ivan Ivanovich Palicyn, a Russian General, by George Dawe. Dawe, an English portrait artist, made quite a name for himself in Russia in the early 19th century. Painted during a time of shifting alliances and national pride following the Napoleonic Wars, this portrait offers insight into the construction of Russian identity. Note the general's composed demeanor and the meticulous detailing of his uniform and medals. These are not merely aesthetic choices; they represent power, status, and allegiance to the Russian Empire. But what does it mean to capture the likeness of a military figure during a period defined by conflict and territorial disputes? Dawe's portrait invites us to consider the human cost of war and the complex interplay between individual identity and national narratives. It also prompts us to reflect on how societies choose to remember and honor their heroes, and what values they choose to uphold.