Peter de Grote en het deugdzame meisje 1784

Daniel Nikolaus Chodowiecki made this print, Peter the Great and the Virtuous Maiden, with etching techniques. It portrays Peter the Great meeting a woman, but look closely at the axes flanking the archway; these are potent symbols. Axes have long symbolized authority and justice, dating back to ancient Rome, where they represented the power of the state. In this print, the axes evoke a sense of governance and order, suggesting that Peter the Great embodies these principles. Consider how the axe appears in other contexts—sometimes as a tool of destruction, other times as an emblem of strength. Here, it underscores Peter's role as a ruler. This symbol engages our collective memory, stirring subconscious associations with power, justice, and even potential violence. The setting and characters are rendered with remarkable detail, inviting viewers to contemplate the nuances of leadership. The symbols and composition work together, ensuring that Peter the Great remains in our cultural consciousness as a figure of authority and historical significance.