Who painted Portrait of Catherine I?

Portrait of Catherine I was painted by Carel de Moor in 1717.

Where can I see Portrait of Catherine I?

Portrait of Catherine I is held by Hermitage Museum.

What movement is Portrait of Catherine I?

Portrait of Catherine I is associated with Rococo painting.

Artwork

Portrait of Catherine I

Carel de Moor , 1717

Portrait of Catherine I is an oil painting by the Rococo painting artist Carel de Moor. It dates from 1717 and is held in the collection of the Hermitage Museum.

About this work

Overview

Carel de Moor, a Dutch painter of the early 18th century who studied with Gerard Dou, executed an oil portrait in 1717 that today belongs to the State Hermitage Museum. The canvas presents Catherine I of Russia, rendered in a manner that reflects the decorative tendencies of the Rococo period while retaining the Dutch emphasis on precise observation.

Subject & Meaning

The sitter is identified as Catherine I, the first wife of Peter the Great and Empress of Russia. She is shown in formal attire—a white low‑cut dress accented by a red sash and a blue shawl—suggesting both regal status and contemporary fashion. Her composed expression and direct gaze convey a sense of authority tempered by personal dignity.

Technique & Style

De Moor employs a pronounced chiaroscuro, letting a focused light illuminate the figure against a darkened backdrop, thereby modeling the folds of fabric and the contours of the face. The brushwork balances the smooth rendering typical of Dutch portraiture with the lighter, ornamental touches associated with Rococo, especially in the delicate rendering of the headpiece and shawl.

History & Provenance

Created in 1717, the portrait entered the Russian imperial collection and eventually became part of the Hermitage’s holdings. Its presence in the museum reflects the historical ties between the Dutch artistic tradition and the Russian court, illustrating how Western European portrait conventions were adopted by Russian patrons during the early 18th century.

Artist & collection

Artist

Carel de Moor

Carel de Moor (25 February 1655 – 16 February 1738) was a Dutch Golden Age etcher and painter. He was a pupil of the Dutch Golden Age painter Gerard Dou.