Pair of Flintlock Pistols of Empress Catherine the Great (1729–1796) 1786

These are a pair of flintlock pistols, crafted by Johan Adolph Grecke, likely towards the end of the 18th century, intended for Empress Catherine the Great. Reflect on the position of Catherine, a woman who came to power in a world of men, who expanded the Russian Empire, and whose reign was marked by both enlightenment and oppression. Consider the role of adornment here. These weapons transcend mere functionality, evolving into elaborate displays of power. They transform violence into an aesthetic spectacle, decorated with ivory and intricate metalwork. They offer a glimpse into the mindset of a leader who sought to blend the ruthless realities of governance with an image of refined elegance. What does it mean to hold such an object, knowing its purpose and its owner?