Elisabeth I keizerin van Rusland (1709-1762) c. 1758 - 1762

This is a gilded bust depicting Elisabeth I, Empress of Russia, and it was created by Nicolas-François Gillet. Busts like these were often commissioned to project power and prestige. Gold, of course, is a symbol of wealth and status, and Elisabeth's calm, dignified expression reinforces her position as a powerful ruler. Consider the historical context: Elisabeth came to power through a coup, so the careful crafting of her public image was essential to legitimizing her rule. The bust probably served as a kind of propaganda, intended to inspire respect and obedience. As art historians, we examine court documents, letters, and other historical sources to understand the conditions under which such artworks were made and what their original audiences might have thought of them.