Gentleman in a Dark Blue Uniform with a Fur Collar

Historical records show that Carl Ludwig Tieck, an artist born in Potsdam in 1789, worked in Hamburg from 1817 onwards creating miniature portraits, etchings, and lithographs. He died in 1823.¹
The pose assumed by the unidentified gentleman in a deep blue uniform decorated with black embroidery can be found in most of the artist’s portraits of men: the sitter’s head and upper body are slightly rotated towards one side, and his eyes slightly look down on the viewer.² The sitter’s deeply lowered lids make his gaze appear somewhat blasé; nevertheless, it gives the likeness an interesting and vibrant quality. His light pink complexion with its blueish shadows contrasts with his curly hair, which has been rendered by the artist in a warm auburn tone. Set against the grey and blue background and the dark uniform jacket, his bright face commands the viewer’s complete attention. Because the medal pinned to his breast has been rendered only roughly, the order which it represents cannot be reliably identified.
J. S. O.