Grand Duchess Maria Nikolaevna with Her Children 1849

Christina Robertson’s “Grand Duchess Maria Nikolaevna with Her Children” (1849) depicts the Grand Duchess, wife of Grand Duke Michael Pavlovich, surrounded by her four children. The composition, set in an opulent interior, emphasizes the family’s status and intimacy. The soft lighting and delicate brushstrokes create a sense of warmth and tenderness, highlighting the love and closeness between the mother and her children. The painting is a prime example of Robertson’s ability to capture the essence of her subjects through portraiture, highlighting her role as a celebrated portrait artist of the Russian aristocracy.