Proclamatie van Catharina I tot tsarina 1727

This 1727 etching by Leonard Schenk, titled "Proclamatie van Catharina I tot tsarina", depicts the public proclamation of Catherine I as Tsarina of Russia following the death of Peter the Great. Schenk, known for his detailed engravings, depicts the scene in a formal, almost ceremonial manner, with a crowd of people gathered in front of a building to hear the proclamation read aloud. The etching showcases the importance of this historical moment as Catherine I became the first woman to rule Russia. This artwork is part of the Rijksmuseum collection in Amsterdam and measures 165mm in height and 183mm in width.