Grand Duchess Alexandra Pavlovna of Russia 1791

Dmitry Levitzky painted this portrait of Grand Duchess Alexandra Pavlovna of Russia in oil on canvas, although the exact date is unknown. It's a compelling image to consider in relation to the politics of imagery at the time. Levitsky was a prominent portraitist in 18th-century Russia, and became professor at the Imperial Academy of Arts. Here, we see the Grand Duchess in profile, adorned with flowers and jewels. The choice of profile view is itself a reference to classical antiquity, associating the Romanov dynasty with the power and authority of the Caesars. Levitsky’s portraits served to legitimize and celebrate the Russian court. In that respect, art historians can see the artwork as a reflection of the social conditions that shaped artistic production in 18th-century Russia, where the Imperial Academy of Arts and patronage were linked to the court. A deeper understanding of the era requires research in social, political, and institutional history.