Portrait of Catherine II 1782

Dmitry Levitzky rendered this portrait of Catherine II in oil paint, a medium capable of capturing the opulence of her reign. Look closely and you'll see the meticulous layering of paint that brings forth the textures of velvet, fur, and metal. The richness of these materials speaks to the labor and resources poured into their creation, from the mines providing the metals, to the weavers producing the textiles. Levitzky's brushwork doesn't just depict these materials, it elevates them, turning them into symbols of power. Consider the socio-economic context: while Catherine parades her splendor, countless laborers toiled to supply the raw materials for her garments and decorations. The artist is working within a long tradition of court portraiture, one that depends on a close relationship between artistic skill, patronage, and the perpetuation of social hierarchies. Ultimately, this portrait offers a glimpse into the material culture of 18th-century Russia, prompting us to consider the labor and resources behind the artistry.