Proclamatie van Catharina I tot tsarina 1727

This print, made by Leonard Schenk in 1725, depicts the proclamation of Catherine I as Tsarina of Russia. Images like these were crucial in shaping public perception and legitimizing rulers, particularly in periods of dynastic transition. Consider the institutional context: who commissioned this print, and what message were they trying to convey? In the early 18th century, Russia was undergoing rapid Westernization, and images of state events played a crucial role in constructing a modern, European identity for the country. Note the architecture, clothing and ceremony: what visual cues are used to convey power, legitimacy, and connection to the West? The emphasis here seems to be on the endorsement of Catherine by various institutions: the senate, synod and governors mentioned in the print’s title. Historical research, including archival documents and contemporary accounts, would reveal the complex social and political forces at play in Catherine's rise to power. The meaning of this print is not inherent but arises from its specific social and institutional context.