Twee voorstellingen uit de geschiedenis van Catharina de Grote 1797

Daniel Nikolaus Chodowiecki created these two images depicting Catherine the Great, using etching, a process which allows for the wide distribution of images. The images offer a glimpse into the constructed image of Catherine. On the left, we see the Empress in what is titled a "young ladies' institute" surrounded by women, which underscores the limited roles available to women and the elite status required for such education. The scene suggests Catherine’s role as a patron and benefactor. On the right, the image depicts the erection of a statue of Peter the Great, Catherine's predecessor. This monument, commissioned by Catherine, was a powerful statement of continuity and legitimacy, linking her reign to a revered ruler, even though she was German-born and not of royal Russian blood. These prints offer insight into the complexities of power, gender, and identity in 18th-century Russia. Catherine’s careful crafting of her image speaks to the precarious nature of power and the constant need to negotiate one's position within a patriarchal society.