Keizerin Elisabeth I van Rusland (1709-1762) 1725 - 1775

This relief of Empress Elizabeth I of Russia was meticulously carved by an unknown artist, using ivory. Ivory’s a fascinating material, traditionally associated with luxury and status. Think about the inherent qualities: its smooth texture, its creamy color, its density. Carving something like this would have taken immense skill and time. Every detail, from the folds of the Empress's dress to the intricate border, speaks to the carver's expertise, acquired through years of practice, following in the footsteps of other artisans in a guild system. But consider the broader implications of this choice of material. Ivory as a commodity has a long and complicated history, tied to global trade networks, exploitation, and colonialism. So while this relief celebrates the Empress and her power, it also raises questions about the sources of that power and the social context in which it was produced. By looking at the materiality of the work and the process of its making, we start to grasp the broader social context in which it was created.