Help to I.D. Russian made figure? (1 Viewer)

[Obee]

Hi Guys,

this figure was given to me a few years back by a friend who found it at a US Toy Soldier Show, possible Chicago?





From my knowledge of unforms I'd say its mid 1700's and could be French or US, going on the colours. The red waistcoat confuses me, and also the column that he is resting on.

You can see from the hole in the base, that he could have been holding a cane, or a sword, but that's missing. There is no evidence of a sword or sling.

I'm not planning on repainting him, but I will make a new cane, if that's what is missing, but I'd like to know his details.

Thanks, in anticipation,

John

 

[theBaron]

Hi, John! I'd say it's supposed to depict George Washington, and the painter either didn't know the correct color to use for his waistcoat, lapels and turnbacks (should be buff) or he took some liberties. I've seen buff rendered anywhere from a flesh color to a dark tan, so I could see how someone might the darker shade for red, especially if he used black-and-white images for reference. The breeches should be buff, too. But the face looks like an attempt at Washington, at least.

I'd say late 18th century, in any case, because of the epaulettes. The column makes sense as a prop or set piece, too, if we look at portraits from the same period. It evokes classical antiquity, and in the case of our Founding Fathers, and the French, at the period just before the outbreak of their revolution, Roman imagery was very popular, intended to evoke the Republic and republican virtues (think, for example, of David's pre-Revolutionary works, like "The Oath of the Horatii"). But I do think it's supposed to be Washington.

Hopefully the markings will provide a way to pinpoint the studio and catalog.

Prost!
Brad

 

[Obee]

Hi, John! I'd say it's supposed to depict George Washington,
Prost!
Brad

Yes, exactly my thoughts Brad, so maybe a change of clothing, but retaining the face and base/column will make his accurate for the period.

Thanks for you comments,

John

 

[Mirof]

G Washington, as seen by the peoples from National Capital Model Soldier Society

 

[theBaron]

That's a depiction of a younger Washington, during the French-and-Indian War, in his Virginia militia uniform, with its red waistcoat and lapels.

Prost!
Brad