Catherine II (1729-96), Empress of Russia 1749 - 1782

Vigilius Erichsen painted this portrait of Catherine II, Empress of Russia, using oil on canvas. Consider the weight of representation in this image. Catherine, a German-born woman who ascended to the Russian throne, is depicted here as the embodiment of imperial power. This portrait operates within a long tradition of royal portraiture, designed to project authority, legitimacy, and dynastic continuity. However, Catherine was not born into this role. Her rise to power, marked by political intrigue, makes one consider the complexities of female leadership in a patriarchal world. Here, Catherine's gaze is direct, almost confrontational, yet her features are softened, perhaps hinting at the negotiations between strength and femininity expected of women in positions of power. The diamonds adorning her—tiara, earrings, and brooch—catch the light, drawing attention to the constructed nature of identity. It prompts us to think about the performance inherent in the role of monarch, and how Catherine navigated this performance as both a woman and a foreigner ruling Russia.