This ceremonial portrait by the French artist Louis Caravaque depicts Empress Elizabeth Petrovna, the daughter of Peter the Great. She ascended the Russian throne in 1741 and reigned for over twenty years, turning her court into one of the most magnificent in Europe. Her reign was marked by artistic brilliance and refined taste, deeply influenced by French culture.
Painted in the Baroque tradition of royal portraiture, the work emphasizes the empress’s grandeur. Her luxurious gown, sparkling jewels, and the symbols of power create a solemn and majestic image. Grace and strength are come together here, reflecting the splendor of Russia’s imperial eighteenth century.