Portret van Peter I de Grote, tsaar van Rusland 1784

This is Pierre Gabriel Langlois's portrait of Peter I of Russia. Langlois created this print during a period when European societies were deeply structured by hierarchies of power. The image of Peter I, with his regal bearing and attire, reflects the importance of portraying rulers in a way that legitimizes their authority. The portrait’s clean lines and formal composition mirror a desire to present a clear, idealized image of power. Yet, as we look closer, it's important to remember the lives of those who were marginalized under Peter I’s rule. The labor and suffering of the working class and peasantry, who were often exploited to support the Tsar’s ambitions, are absent from this image. Langlois's portrait invites us to consider how art can perpetuate certain narratives while obscuring others, and to reflect on whose stories are deemed worthy of representation. As you stand with this portrait, consider the complex relationship between power, representation, and the lives of those who are often left out of the frame.