Portrait of Alexander N. Seslavin 1823

George Dawe painted this portrait of Alexander N. Seslavin with oil on canvas. Consider the materiality of oil paint. It allowed Dawe to build up layers of color, creating the illusion of depth and texture. Look closely, and you will see how he captured the sheen of Seslavin’s elaborate military uniform, contrasting with the soft texture of his fur collar. The artistic skills required to create this kind of likeness were highly valued in the 19th century, as was the commissioning of a portrait. The production of such artworks relied on a complex web of social and economic relationships; from the pigments mined and processed, to the canvas woven, to the patronage of wealthy individuals like Seslavin. Ultimately, this portrait serves as a reminder that art is not created in a vacuum, but is deeply embedded in the social and material conditions of its time. It challenges us to look beyond the surface and consider the broader context in which art is made and consumed.