Peter the Great c. 19th century

William B. Closson created this engraving, Peter the Great, sometime between the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The artwork depicts Peter the Great, the Russian Tsar who ruled from 1682 to 1725, in a moment of contemplation or perhaps instruction. Closson, an American artist, likely engaged with the figure of Peter the Great to reflect on themes of power, modernization, and cultural exchange. During Peter’s reign, Russia underwent significant Westernization, which modernized the state and reformed cultural norms. Here, Peter's representation speaks to broader narratives of leadership and the complexities of cultural transformation, offering us a lens through which to consider the negotiations between tradition and modernity. It invites us to reflect on the legacies of historical figures. How do we, as viewers, reconcile their contributions with the ethical considerations of their time?