Alexei Nikolayevich Kuropatkin

Julius Mendes Price's chromolithograph portrays General Kuropatkin, commander of Russian forces during the Russo-Japanese War, in full winter campaign dress: a sweeping grey greatcoat lined in red, black astrakhan hat, and polished riding boots. A military cross hangs at his chest; the inscription Mukden, Jan. 1905 anchors him to the battle where his army suffered defeat. The caption, "I regret to report," references Kuropatkin's telegrams to St. Petersburg after each defeat. Price renders him as stolid and slightly absurd, broad and planted, a man whose physical solidity contrasts with his strategic helplessness.