Rocot Fyodor – Portrait of Catherine II 900 Classic russian paintings
Rocot Fyodor - Portrait of Catherine II
Edit attribution
Download full size: 1400×1574 px (0,8 Mb)
Back to album: 900 Classic russian paintings
Album navigation:
Edit attribution
Download full size: 1400×1574 px (0,8 Mb)
Back to album: 900 Classic russian paintings
COMMENTS: 1 Ответы
The portrait of Catherine II, the most famous of the Russian empresses, was painted by Fedor Rokotov, an adjutant painter, in 1763, during the coronation celebrations marking her accession to the Russian throne.
Despite his relatively young age, Rokotov was already a fairly well-known artist at that time, and this prestigious commission served as further confirmation of his talent. For the portrait, Empress Catherine posed for Rokotov in Peterhof.
Rokotov, a student of Pietro Rotari, the court painter during Elizabeths reign, was characterized by diligence and an ability to capture the essence of his subjects. The composition of the painting revolves around a profile view of the figure seated in a chair. This technique is not very common in official portraits.
Partly, the unusual nature of the portrait lies in the unconventionality of the Empress herself, and the formation of new ideals. At the beginning of her reign, she was fascinated by the latest philosophical ideas, actively corresponding with French Enlightenment scholars such as Diderot and Voltaire, among others. With a gesture, the Empress addresses an unseen interlocutor.
Otherwise, the composition is quite traditional. The painting includes all the imperial regalia, typical of official portraits. The solemnity of the portrait is enhanced by the standard background: columns and draperies. And, of course, the Empress herself, with her impeccable posture, honed over years, and a refined profile. The portrait is both dynamic, lively, and majestic.
Empress Catherine herself considered the portrait painted by Fedor Rokotov to be one of her most successful depictions. In the decades that followed, the painting was repeatedly copied, both by the artist himself and by numerous imitators and followers. There are both exact copies and reproductions of the portrait, as well as those containing minor changes in accessories.
You cannot comment Why?
The subject’s garments are elaborate and opulent. A pale blue coat, adorned with intricate gold embroidery and what appears to be a sash or order of merit, drapes across her shoulders. Beneath this, a white lace-trimmed bodice is visible, hinting at layers of luxurious underclothing. The jewelry – a diadem, earrings, and a necklace – further emphasizes the subject’s elevated status and wealth. In her right hand, she holds a scepter, an unambiguous symbol of power and sovereignty.
The artist employed a muted palette, relying heavily on shades of blue, gray, and silver to depict the clothing and skin tones. The lighting is soft and diffused, creating subtle gradations in tone that model the form and add depth to the fabric’s folds. This technique contributes to an overall sense of dignity and refinement.
Beyond the straightforward depiction of a personage in regal attire, several subtexts emerge from this portrayal. The pose – a three-quarter view – allows for both a display of status (through the elaborate clothing) and a degree of personal connection with the viewer. The direct gaze suggests an invitation to acknowledge her authority while also hinting at a cultivated intellect. The scepter is not merely decorative; it’s a clear declaration of dominion, reinforcing the subjects position as a ruler.
The overall effect is one of carefully constructed grandeur intended to project an image of strength, wisdom, and legitimacy. It is a portrait designed not only to record likeness but also to shape perception and solidify power through visual representation.