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Catherine II strolling in the Park Tsarskoselsky with the Chesme column in the background

Vladimir Borovikovsky • Painting, 1794, 94.5×66 cm
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About the artwork
Art form: Painting
Subject and objects: Portrait
Technique: Oil
Materials: Canvas
Date of creation: 1794
Size: 94.5×66 cm
Artwork in selections: 32 selections

Description of the artwork «Catherine II strolling in the Park Tsarskoselsky with the Chesme column in the background»

The first Russian Empress not Empress of the Almighty, not the head of the Russian state, not at the parade... Vladimir Borovikovsky – the first who allowed himself to chamber the interpretation of the image of the Empress, we see not celestial, and earthly, condescending, patronizing, gracious Empress, in which there are not sovereign, and the human in the first place.

Earlier, Catherine II was depicted as exclusively Regal and untouchable. As we see its on the coronation portrait by Fyodor Rokotov: the Queen sits on the throne, the monarchical regalia and absolute inaccessibility. Dmitry Levitsky the Empress is portrayed allegoricallythe role of the priestesses of the goddess Themis.

The fundamental difference vision borovikovskiy – Catherine II in his picture does not seem available. She stressed "at home": the cloak, the bonnet... No trappings of power – instead, next to the Catherine II's favourite Greyhound of Zemir. The splendor of the Palace halls was replaced with the shaded greens of the Tsarskoye Selo garden.

Devoid of brilliance and the majestic attributes, the heroine of the picture nevertheless is the dignity and greatness. The Empress remained with the Empress, even revealing an intimate part of the soul. Catherine II as if casually points to the Chesma column, built to commemorate the Russian victory in the Russo-Turkish war (1768-1774) – a symbol of Russian power.

It is worth noting that the portrait was created not by the order they are supposed to impress the Empress and the court. The artist painted not from nature: in the dress of Catherine II posed her closest cameras-jungfer (room maid) Maria.
For this portrait Borovikovsky received the title of "candidate" in academics (not without the patronage of his teacher Johann Lampi). However, the Empress herself, the picture is not liked, and never bought for the Palace.

Yes, and "academician" Borovikovsky this time not received. But the picture has created a completely new image of Catherine II, which later turn Pushkin "Captain's daughter". It is almost "quote" Borovikovsky painting: "Her face is full and ruddy, expressed the importance and tranquility, blue eyes and easy smile had a charm indescribable".

A copy of the portrait was written by Borovikovsky in the period from 1800 to 1810. Her Catherine the great "walks" against the backdrop of Kagul obelisk. The monument installed in the Park of the Catherine Palace and symbolizes the victory of Russian troops under the command of count Peter Rumyantsev over the Turks in the battle of Cahul. Critics agree that the copy written by the order of Nikolay Rumyantsev, uwaisheg thus the exploits of the father. Subsequently, he ordered Nikolay Utkin and even the engraving of this portrait.

A careful study of the second picture clearly gives to understand that it is not only the background – the whole picture was more dry. Here, carefully calibrated play of light and shadow, to the nuances of thought out details... But the warmth inherent in the first version, the copy we can find. Perhaps to blame the cold shoulder by Catherine II first portrait?

Author: Alain Esaulova
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