Alexandr Francevich Misho, Russian General 

George Dawe painted this portrait of Alexandr Francevich Misho, a Russian General, sometime in the early 19th century. Dawe, an English portraitist, gained renown in Russia for his depictions of military figures, a project commissioned in the wake of the Napoleonic Wars. Misho’s gaze is directed off to the side, perhaps symbolic of his vision for Russia's future, or a painterly technique to reveal his noble profile. His elaborate uniform, replete with gold epaulettes and numerous medals, speaks to the rigid social structures of the time, where identity and status were visibly performed. These portraits served as powerful tools of nation-building, immortalizing military heroes and reinforcing a sense of Russian identity. Yet, they also remind us of the human costs of war, the complex interplay between individual sacrifice and national glory. The emotional weight of duty and honor is palpable, inviting us to reflect on the values we celebrate and the stories we choose to remember.