Portret van Peter I, keizer van Rusland, op 28-jarige leeftijd 1697 - 1698

Editor: This is William Faithorne’s pencil drawing, "Portrait of Peter I, Emperor of Russia, at Age 28," created around 1697 or 1698. The detail is just amazing, especially considering the medium. I'm struck by how this portrait tries to balance the Emperor's power with an almost...youthful softness. What’s your read on this piece? Curator: This work is fascinating when considering Peter I's radical reforms and westernizing agenda in Russia. This portrait, with its baroque aesthetics, functions as a strategic piece of propaganda. How do you interpret his attire and presentation within that context? The jewels, the fur, the European-style rendering... it all speaks to something specific. Editor: I see your point. It’s definitely a display of power and wealth, aiming for a more sophisticated, Western image. But what about the internal contradictions? He’s projecting this image, yet his rule was also known for its brutality and oppression. Does the art address that dissonance? Curator: Absolutely. The tension you’re picking up on reflects the internal struggle of Russia at the time: the push towards modernity versus traditional autocratic rule. A drawing like this allows us to delve into those very complicated layers of identity and political ambition. Do you think that the artist was aware of this struggle when portraying Peter I? Editor: Possibly. Even if unintentional, art often mirrors those social tensions. I suppose this portrait freezes a specific point of transformation, trying to reconcile contrasting ideals. Curator: Precisely. Examining art as a product and driver of such complex societal forces gives us powerful insights into not only the artwork itself, but its era and beyond. Editor: That is true. Thank you for pointing that out!