Paul I 1800

Vladimir Borovikovsky painted this portrait of Paul I in Russia, likely at the end of the 18th century, using oil on canvas. This is a formal state portrait of the kind that was intended to project power. Everything in the image contributes to the impression of imperial might. Paul is resplendent in his crown and robes. But the figure of Paul I is a complex one. His reign was marked by attempts at reform and centralization, but also by increasing autocracy. The image is striking because of its combination of splendor and awkwardness. It presents a fascinating case study for historians, offering insights into the politics of imagery and the social conditions shaping artistic production in Russia at the time. Research into the archives of the Russian court might shed further light on the circumstances of its production, but even at a glance it's clear that the image is deeply contingent on social and institutional context.