Portrait of Catherine II, Empress of Russia - Vladimir Borovikovsky

A 1794 portrait of Catherine II of Russia by Vladimir Borovikovsky, depicting the Empress in a relaxed, informal setting at Tsarskoye Selo.

This portrait by Vladimir Borovikovsky depicts Catherine II, Empress of Russia, in a departure from the formal, state-sanctioned iconography typical of her reign. Painted in 1794, the work captures the monarch in a more informal, domestic setting within the grounds of the Tsarskoye Selo park. Rather than wearing the heavy regalia of the Russian Empire, she is dressed in a simple, light blue morning gown, a white lace cap, and a modest collar. This choice of attire reflects the influence of Enlightenment ideals, presenting the ruler as a person of reason and nature.

Borovikovsky employs a soft, atmospheric light that bathes the scene in the gentle glow of early morning. The Empress stands near a small greyhound, a detail that adds a sense of quiet companionship to the composition. In the background, the Chesme Column is visible, a monument erected to commemorate the Russian naval victory over the Ottoman Empire. By placing the Empress in this specific location, Borovikovsky links her personal identity with the military successes of her era, yet he does so with a restraint that avoids the bombast of traditional court portraiture.

The brushwork is precise, particularly in the rendering of the fabric of the gown and the delicate lace details. The artist balances the figure of the Empress with the surrounding parkland, creating a sense of harmony between the subject and her environment. This painting is a significant example of the shift towards sentimentalism in late 18th-century Russian art, where the focus moved from the public persona to the private character of the individual. The muted colour palette, dominated by cool blues and earthy tones, reinforces the calm, contemplative mood of the piece.