Portrait of Catherine II of Russia 1794

Dmitry Levitzky painted this portrait of Catherine the Second, Empress of Russia. Here, the Empress is adorned with a necklace featuring the prominent St. Andrew's Cross, an emblem deeply rooted in Russian Orthodoxy, symbolizing faith and national identity. This cross echoes through history, reminiscent of those seen in medieval reliquaries and Byzantine icons, where sacred symbols were believed to offer divine protection and assert spiritual authority. Notice the sash across her waist. This echoes similar depictions of royalty in other European courts. Such displays transcend mere fashion, acting as a potent signifier of power and dynastic lineage. The choice of such symbols is no accident. It is a calculated effort to tap into a collective memory, reassuring the viewer of the stability and divine favor bestowed upon the ruler. These symbols carry immense emotional weight, engaging viewers on a subconscious level, evoking feelings of reverence and loyalty. Observe how symbols, like the Cross, have undergone continuous transformation, resurfacing and evolving across centuries.