Portret van Ivan Paskevitsj 1808 - 1868

Carl Mayer produced this print of Ivan Paskevich around 1838. It gives us insight into the visual strategies used to construct and disseminate power in 19th century Russia. Paskevich, a Count and Prince, is adorned with military decorations, signifiers of his service and status within the Tsarist regime. The print, likely made for distribution, served to reinforce the image of a strong, noble, and divinely sanctioned leadership. The visual codes are clear - military regalia, a stern gaze, and the formal composition, all contribute to an aura of authority. These symbols would have resonated with the values of the Russian court and aristocracy. Understanding the role of institutions such as the military and the monarchy, and their relationship to artistic production, allows us to better understand the social and political forces at play in 19th century Russia. Analyzing such images through primary sources—letters, newspapers, and official documents—reveals how art was deployed to shape public perception.