Portrait of Fabian W. Von Der Osten-Sacken 1820

George Dawe painted this portrait of Fabian W. Von Der Osten-Sacken, using oil on canvas. The artist applied thin layers of pigment that give the overall impression of a smooth surface. The most striking feature of this painting is the depiction of a high-ranking official in his formal uniform, with carefully detailed elements, such as the gold embroidery and the metallic gleam of the medals. Dawe was a sought-after portraitist, known for his ability to capture likeness and convey status. The detailed rendering of Osten-Sacken's uniform, with its gold trim and metallic details, would have required significant labor, and it's fascinating to consider the artistic skill involved in depicting these materials so convincingly with paint. Think of the societal hierarchies that are made manifest through this man’s very clothing. This portrait is more than just a depiction of an individual; it's a material record of social standing, and the labor required to produce and maintain that image.