Portrait of Empress Maria Feodorovna in Mourning 1825

George Dawe painted this portrait of Empress Maria Feodorovna in mourning, likely in the 1820s, using oil on canvas. The smooth surface belies the complex layering and blending required to achieve the likeness and somber mood. Look closely, and you’ll see how Dawe manipulated the viscosity of his paints, building up thin glazes to create depth and luminosity. The black mourning attire is rendered with meticulous detail, each fold and drape conveying the weight of grief. Consider the social context: Dawe, an English artist, gained fame painting portraits of Russian royalty and military figures. This commission speaks to the cultural exchange between Britain and Russia during the Napoleonic era, and the demand for skilled portraitists. It is also a testament to the status of oil paint as a luxury good, and the labor required to make portraits for the wealthy and powerful. By examining the materials, making process, and social context, we gain a richer understanding of this seemingly straightforward portrait.