Portrait of Catherine II as a legislator in the temple of the goddess of Justice Dmitry Levitsky (Levitzky) (1735-1822)
Dmitry Levitsky – Portrait of Catherine II as a legislator in the temple of the goddess of Justice
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Painter: Dmitry Levitsky (Levitzky)
Location: The State Tretyakov Gallery, Moscow (Государственная Третьяковская галерея).
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Levitsky painted the painting in 1783. The viewer can imagine the peculiarities of portraiture during the period of classicism. We can understand the peculiarities of the art, its symbolism and allegory. Catherine is in the temple of the goddess of Justice herself. She is burning poppy flowers on a special altar. Instead of a crown, the empress has a laurel wreath on her head. The Order of St. Vladimir suggests That Catherine did much for the country.
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Description of the painting "Portrait of Catherine the Great" by Dmitri Levitsky
Levitsky painted the painting in 1783.
The viewer can imagine the peculiarities of portraiture during the period of classicism. We can understand the peculiarities of the art, its symbolism and allegory. Catherine is in the temple of the goddess of Justice herself. She is burning poppy flowers on a special altar. Instead of a crown, the empress has a laurel wreath on her head. The Order of St. Vladimir suggests That Catherine did much for the country. The books that lie at her feet testify to the same. This is the truth.
In this grandiose portrait the main features of Classicism are vividly displayed. First of all, the colors are very saturated. Cold tones dominate here. You can feel the division into several plans in space. The forms are sculptural. They are most restrained and at the same time plastic. The artist skillfully uses the techniques of allegory. We see Catherine dressed in white satin.
Before us a real woman of ancient times. She moves smoothly, and smiles very friendly. This is exactly how a leader of a strong country should be. To create a majestic effect, certain details are used: the carpet is slightly shifted, the pale yellow satin shimmers, and the luxurious ermine mantle is visible.
Levitsky created an image that idealizes Catherine as much as possible. He put into it the idea that the monarch reigns only for the people and lives by the laws that exist in the state.
The content of the painting has a non-portrait character. This brings it closer to the historical paintings of the time. This portrait is allegorical. In order to portray the real sovereign, confirmations in the form of allegories and symbols were necessary. Levitsky strove for authenticity.
Before us is not just a portrait, but an idea. The artist gives a kind of precept to the Empress. This is how the nobility intelligentsia imagined the monarchical power in its ideal form.
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A statue of a female figure, presumably representing Justice, is placed on a raised platform to the right. She holds what appears to be a scroll or tablet and a sword, traditional attributes associated with legal authority and impartiality. The placement of this statue underscores the subject’s role as a dispenser of justice.
The woman depicted wears an elaborate gown in pale gold, accented by a sash bearing a dark red stripe. Her posture is one of controlled authority; her right hand extends outward in a gesture that could be interpreted as offering or bestowing something upon the viewer. The left arm hangs loosely at her side, contributing to a sense of relaxed power. A jeweled order adorns her chest, signifying high rank and status.
At her feet lies a collection of documents bound together with ribbons, seemingly representing legislative acts or decrees. This detail reinforces the theme of lawmaking and governance. The floor is covered by a rich red cloth that mirrors the color of the drapery, creating visual unity within the composition.
The lighting in the painting is dramatic, highlighting the figure’s face and gown while casting much of the background into shadow. This technique draws attention to her importance and emphasizes the solemnity of the occasion. The overall effect is one of deliberate theatricality, designed to convey an image of enlightened rule and legal authority.
Subtly, the painting conveys a message about the subject’s perceived legitimacy as a ruler. By associating her with Justice, the artist suggests that she embodies fairness and righteousness in her governance. The architectural grandeur and opulent attire further contribute to this impression of power and divine sanction. The arrangement is not merely a portrait; its a carefully constructed visual argument for the subject’s position within the political landscape.