Portrait of Pyotr M. Volkonsky 1825

George Dawe painted this portrait of Pyotr M. Volkonsky using oil on canvas, though the date remains unknown. Dawe's career was deeply entwined with the Russian aristocracy and military elite during a period of intense socio-political change in Europe. Here, Volkonsky is presented through the conventions of military portraiture, his gaze direct and his uniform laden with symbols of power and status. Yet, these portraits are not merely about recording likeness; they also participate in constructing a heroic narrative, reinforcing ideals of leadership and national identity. The question becomes, who gets remembered, and how? By focusing on Volkonsky, the portrait directs our attention to the figures who shaped 19th-century Russia. It prompts us to reflect on how these representations influence our understanding of history and power. The portrait then is a moment to remember, and to question, the stories we tell about ourselves.