Vasily Timofeyevich Denisov, Russian Major General 

George Dawe painted this portrait of Vasily Timofeyevich Denisov, a Russian Major General. The portrait presents Denisov in full military dress, bedecked with medals and epaulettes. It reflects the importance of military figures in early 19th-century Russia, particularly after the Napoleonic Wars. This kind of imagery served as a form of state propaganda, reinforcing the power and prestige of the military. The portrait was commissioned for the Winter Palace as part of a larger project to commemorate the heroes of the war against Napoleon. The Hermitage Museum, like many national museums, plays a role in shaping historical memory and national identity. By displaying portraits like these, institutions contribute to the construction of a particular narrative about the past, emphasizing military achievements and the valor of its leaders. To understand it better, we can refer to the archives of the Hermitage Museum and delve into the history of Russian military campaigns and court portraiture. That way we can better understand the complex relationship between art, power, and national identity.