Artwork

Portrait of Catherine I of Russia

Portrait of Catherine I of Russia, by Jean-Marc Nattier, oil, 1717
Portrait of Catherine I of Russia, by Jean-Marc Nattier, oil, 1717

Portrait of Catherine I of Russia is an oil painting by the Rococo painting artist Jean-Marc Nattier. It dates from 1717 and is held in the collection of the Hermitage Museum.

About this work

Overview

Portrait of Catherine I of Russia is a 1717 oil-on-canvas painting by French artist Jean-Marc Nattier, depicting the Empress of Russia in a Rococo-style portrait. The work is part of the collection at the State Hermitage Museum.

Subject & Meaning

The portrait captures Catherine I, Empress of Russia, dressed in regal attire, conveying her importance through a silver-and-red gown, wide red sash, and selective jewelry. The somber background emphasizes her prominence.

Technique & Style

Nattier employed Rococo techniques, focusing on intricate fabric textures and the play of light on them. The subject's elaborate hairstyle and ornate dress are characteristic of Nattier's depictions of aristocratic women, often in mythological or symbolic contexts.

History & Provenance

Created in 1717, the portrait is attributed to Nattier's period of portraying European nobility in stylized, symbolic forms. The painting is currently housed in the State Hermitage Museum.

Context

The work reflects the artistic exchange between France and Russia during the early 18th century, with Nattier's French Rococo style influencing Russian portraiture.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Jean-Marc Nattier

Artist

Jean-Marc Nattier

Jean-Marc Nattier (French pronunciation: ; 17 March 1685 – 7 November 1766) was a French painter.

Hermitage Museum

Museum

Hermitage Museum

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This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: Hermitage Museum open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.