Portrait of Catherine II. Repeat version of a portrait (after 1768) 

Fyodor Rokotov painted this portrait of Catherine II after 1768, capturing the Empress of Russia, a powerful figure in 18th-century Europe. Rokotov, a serf turned artist, navigated the rigid social hierarchies of his time. His skill allowed him access to the Imperial court, yet his background highlights the complex intersections of talent, class, and power during Catherine’s reign. Catherine herself, a German princess who rose to power through a coup, embodied the era’s ambition and transformation. This portrait is not merely a depiction of royalty; it reflects the aspirations and social dynamics of a society undergoing significant change. Portraits like these served to legitimize and solidify Catherine's image as an enlightened and powerful ruler. Her expression hints at the weight of her position but also a determined, almost defiant spirit. This painting invites us to consider the personal and political forces at play in the creation of identity and power. Rokotov's work captures not just the likeness of an empress, but a complex moment in history, viewed through the lens of individual ambition and social change.