Prince Oscar Bernadotte, Duke of Ostgotlandiya 1870

Konstantin Egorovich Makovsky painted Prince Oscar Bernadotte, Duke of Ostgotlandiya, during an era defined by strict social hierarchies and burgeoning national identities. Makovsky, a celebrated Russian artist, often depicted idealized versions of Russian life and aristocracy. In this portrait, Prince Oscar is presented through a lens of power and prestige, typical of the traditional, patriarchal representations of nobility at the time. The weight of his status is palpable, laden with symbols of power, from the elaborate military garb to the stoic facial expression, embodying the expectations placed on individuals of his standing. However, the Prince's gaze seems to hint at a more complex inner life. What does it mean to carry the weight of expectation and tradition, and how does the performance of identity shape our understanding of self and society? This image invites us to reflect on the performative aspects of identity and the personal cost of upholding societal norms.