Signed with the artist’s monogram, probably in CyrillicAn elegant portrait of a high ranking Russian officer, circa 1790/1800, in a characteristic Russian green uniform with scarlet facings and wearing the breast star of Prussian Order of the Black Eagle. The green and scarlet of his uniform are colours adopted for Russian military uniforms by Peter the GreatThe Order of the Black Eagle was instituted on 17th January 1701 when King Frederick 1 assumed title of King of Prussia having previously been Elector of Brandenburg. It was occasionally, but infrequently, bestowed on members of other Ruling Houses and then only for services of exceptional merit. It can be assumed from the dress and style of painting that the subject was not Royal, therefore the implication is that he performed a highly meritorious service for the Kingdom of Prussia. It may be possible to identify the sitter from records in Germany as the Order of the Black Eagle is presumed to have been awarded to ...