SIR THOMAS LAWRENCE (1769-1830)
Matvei Ivanovitch, Count Platov (1753-1818)
1814RCIN 405146
Count Platov was 'Hetman' or General of the Cossacks and distinguished himself against the French during their retreat from Russia in 1812. True to Platov’s reputation, Lawrence portrays him as a wild and enigmatic figure. Characteristic of Lawrence is the sky filled with billowing clouds suggesting the smoke of battle. The city caught in sunlight in the distance could be Paris.