Alexandra Feodorovna Empress of Russia 

Christina Robertson painted this portrait of Alexandra Feodorovna, Empress of Russia, using oil on canvas. The composition immediately strikes you with its vertical orientation and the subject’s commanding presence. The texture of her elaborate gown, rendered in meticulous detail, contrasts with the smoother, more uniform background. Robertson masterfully employs a semiotic system to convey status and power. The golden embroidery, the ermine trim, and the imperial crown all function as signs of royalty. The cool tones of the Empress’s skin and dress are offset by the warm reds and golds of the background and her attire, creating a visual tension. Note how the formal elements—color, texture, and composition—work together to create a representation that is both visually compelling and ideologically charged. The painting doesn't merely depict Alexandra, but also constructs and reinforces her image as an empress.