Portrait of Anna Stepanovna Protassova, the former maid of honor of Catherine II 1800

Dmitry Levitzky painted this portrait of Anna Stepanovna Protassova, a former maid of honor of Catherine II. Here, Anna wears a striking red shawl. This red symbolizes not only wealth and status but also a deeper connection to power and prestige, echoing the symbolism of red in religious and royal portraiture across centuries. The shawl drapes loosely around her shoulders, conveying both warmth and a sense of ease, a pose we see echoed in classical sculptures and Renaissance paintings, where draped fabrics denote status and grace. Consider how the color red has been used throughout art history, from the robes of emperors in Byzantine mosaics to the dresses of Renaissance Madonnas. It is a color that commands attention, stirring primal emotions and subconscious associations with energy and vitality. This portrait leverages that historical weight, engaging viewers on a visceral level, forging a non-linear connection between Anna and a timeless lineage of power and beauty.