GENERAL REINHARD OTTO FRIEDRICH AUGUST VON SCHÖLER FROM THE MIDDLETON WATERCOLOR ALBUM
Currently in storage
About this object
Born in 1772 in the then Prussian city of Wesel, Reinhard Otto Friedrich August von Schöler (1772-1840) was the younger son of a Major General in the Prussian army. Friedrich quickly followed in his father’s footsteps, enlisting in the infantry at age fourteen. After fighting against the troops of Revolutionary France, he acted as a staff cavalry master in Berlin’s Cadet Corps and as an adjutant to Field Marshal Duke Ferdinand of Brunswick. Friedrich first traveled on diplomatic missions to St. Petersburg around 1807. In 1808 he was named a wing-adjutant to the Prussian king and attached to the embassy there. Aside from a brief absence in 1814-1815 to fight and attend conferences like the Congress of Vienna, he remained in Russia for nearly 30 years; ultimately becoming Envoy Extraordinary and Minister Plenipotentiary to the court. During his tenure, Friedrich gained the confidence and approval of Russia’s emperors. Alexander I bestowed on him the Order of Saint George, Russia’s highest military award, in 1813 and Lady Anne Disbrowe reports that Nicholas I dispensed favors upon him at his coronation in 1826. Partially due to his weakening health, Friedrich was recalled in 1834. He was subsequently appointed envoy to the German Bundestag. For his years of service, Friedrich was awarded Prussia’s highest order of chivalry in 1836. He died of illness in Frankfurt in 1840.
The oval bust-length portrait depicts Reinhard Otto Friedrich August von Schöler facing partly left, eyes looking forward, against a background of lavish green drapery. He is dressed in a dark blue uniform with gold buttons, a red and gold collar, and gold and silver epaulettes with the monogram of Alexander I. He wears six crosses and two stars, including the Prussian Iron Cross, the Cross of the Order Pour le Mérite, the Cross of the Order of Saint Anna, and the Star of the Order of Saint Alexander Nevsky.
- Object name:
- GENERAL REINHARD OTTO FRIEDRICH AUGUST VON SCHÖLER FROM THE MIDDLETON WATERCOLOR ALBUM
- Made from:
- Watercolor and gouache on paper
- Date made:
- 1820-1834
- Size:
- H. 6 3/8 in., W. 5 in.
Detailed information for this item
- Catalog number:
- 52.39.11
- Signature marks:
- inscription Genl. Scholer Bottom of page In cursive
- Credit line:
- Museum Purchase, 2004