Antoine-Henri Jomini, Russian General 

George Dawe painted this portrait of Antoine-Henri Jomini, a Russian General, sometime in the early 19th century. Dawe, an English portraitist, gained acclaim for his series of portraits of Russian generals who participated in the Napoleonic Wars, a project commissioned by Tsar Alexander I. Jomini, of Swiss origin, was a celebrated military theorist and general. His shifting allegiances—from the French to the Russian army—reflect the complex political landscape of the Napoleonic era. Dawe's portrait captures Jomini in his Russian military attire, adorned with medals, conveying power, prestige, and perhaps the weight of his strategic decisions. Yet, the hint of a smile softens the image, inviting us to consider the individual behind the uniform. This portrait exists at the intersection of personal identity and historical narrative, prompting us to reflect on how individuals navigate the currents of war and political change. It reminds us that history is not just a matter of battles and treaties, but also of individual lives, choices, and experiences.