Portrait of Elizaveta Petrovna on horseback with little arapchon Georg Cristoph Grooth (1716-1749)

The composition presents a figure seated atop a powerful dark horse, positioned slightly off-center within the frame. The individual is dressed in elaborate military attire – a green and gold uniform adorned with ribbons and medals – and wears a tricorn hat, suggesting a position of authority or status. A confident posture and direct gaze convey an air of command and self-assurance.
The horse itself dominates much of the visual space, its muscular form rendered with considerable detail in dark browns and blacks. The animal’s movement is implied through a slight forward lean and the raising of hooves, creating a sense of dynamism within the otherwise formal portrait.
A smaller figure, seemingly a young boy or adolescent of African descent, accompanies the rider on foot. He wears a decorative outfit – a patterned jacket over turquoise breeches – and carries what appears to be a ceremonial staff or scepter. His placement near the horse’s front legs suggests a subservient role, yet his direct gaze and upright posture also hint at a degree of dignity.
The background is loosely rendered with foliage and architectural elements, including what seems to be an ornate garden structure partially obscured by trees. In the distance, ships are visible on the water, hinting at maritime power or imperial reach. The sky is overcast, contributing to a muted color palette that emphasizes the richness of the figures’ attire and the horses dark coat.
Several subtexts emerge from this arrangement. The presence of the young man of African descent introduces complex layers of meaning related to colonialism, servitude, and exoticism – common tropes in European portraiture of the period. His inclusion might signify a display of wealth through possession or an assertion of dominion over distant lands and their peoples. The equestrian pose itself is a traditional symbol of power and leadership, drawing parallels with historical depictions of rulers and conquerors. The combination of military regalia, the majestic horse, and the accompanying figure creates a visual narrative that speaks to themes of authority, imperial expansion, and social hierarchy within a specific historical context.