Count Platov, Hetman of the Cossacks, with Lancers Beyond, 1815

An original antique engraving, colored by hand, captioned "COUNT PLATOFF, HETMAN OF THE COSSACKS." The caption spells the name as engraved; the usual spelling is Platov. He rides a chestnut horse galloping toward the left and holds a curved saber aloft in his right hand. He is bearded and wears a tall brown fur cap with a red crown and a white and green plume, a long green coat with red collar and piping, a light blue sash across the chest, a star and orders at the throat and breast, gray trousers and black boots, with a curved saber in a scabbard at his side and a sheepskin over the saddle. Behind him at the right two Cossacks on pale horses ride with lances lowered, and gray hills fill the background.

No engraver's or artist's name is lettered on this plate. The publication line reads "London, Pub. Aug 11-1815. by Richd. Evans, White row Spitalfields." Platov led the Don Cossacks against the French in the campaigns of 1812 to 1814.

The plate was issued for The History of the Wars occasioned by the French Revolution by William Nicholson, LL.D., printed in London for Thomas Kelly of 17 Paternoster Row. Its title page promises biographical sketches of the public characters of Europe, with an account of the Congress of Vienna, the escape from Elba, Waterloo and the exile to Saint Helena. The plates carry their own engraved publication line naming Richard Evans of Whites Row, Spitalfields, London.

The fur cap and long green coat set this portrait apart from the British generals in the series.

This is an original antique print, not a modern reproduction. This item is sold unframed.