Portrait painting of the second half of the 18th century
The nobility of the Russian Empire flourished under Catherine II (1762-1796), which resulted in the rapid evolution of portrait painting. Unfortunately, the convoluted history of Russia in the 18th century and beyond did not retain names of all painters. It often happens, therefore, that even pictures noted for their high painting mastery have an unknown artist.
The pictures on display make it possible to trace the history of Catherine’s reign through portraits of the people who surrounded the empress. These include the dethroned Emperor Peter III, Count A.G. Bobrinsky - Catherine’s illegitimate son, the brothers Orlovs and G.A. Potemkin - Catherine’s favourites, as well as officials and military leaders - Field-Marshal A.V. Suvorov and Count I.E. Fersen.
Russia’s dynastic and political ties with Europe are evident through the portraits which depict members of the European ruling houses: Frederick II, King of Prussia, who played a significant role in Catherine’s life; his younger brother, Prince Henry, who came to Russia on numerous occasions; and members from the Habsburg dynasty - Archduke Joseph of Austria, who married Grand Duchess Alexandra Pavlovna, Paul I’s daughter.
See on interactive plan
The nobility of the Russian Empire flourished under Catherine II (1762-1796), which resulted in the rapid evolution of portrait painting. Unfortunately, the convoluted history of Russia in the 18th century and beyond did not retain names of all painters. It often happens, therefore, that even pictures noted for their high painting mastery have an unknown artist.
The pictures on display make it possible to trace the history of Catherine’s reign through portraits of the people who surrounded the empress. These include the dethroned Emperor Peter III, Count A.G. Bobrinsky - Catherine’s illegitimate son, the brothers Orlovs and G.A. Potemkin - Catherine’s favourites, as well as officials and military leaders - Field-Marshal A.V. Suvorov and Count I.E. Fersen.
Russia’s dynastic and political ties with Europe are evident through the portraits which depict members of the European ruling houses: Frederick II, King of Prussia, who played a significant role in Catherine’s life; his younger brother, Prince Henry, who came to Russia on numerous occasions; and members from the Habsburg dynasty - Archduke Joseph of Austria, who married Grand Duchess Alexandra Pavlovna, Paul I’s daughter.
See on interactive plan