Catharina de Grote verkleed als luitenant 1797

This is an engraving by Daniel Nikolaus Chodowiecki depicting Catherine the Great dressed as a lieutenant, now at the Rijksmuseum. Here, the Empress rides a rearing horse, a motif as old as antiquity itself, symbolizing power, control, and the triumph of the ruler over the earthly realm. Think of the Roman emperors astride their steeds, projecting their dominance across vast empires. It’s no accident this motif resurfaces during the Enlightenment, echoing those classical ideals of leadership. But note the disguise. Catherine, though powerful, chooses to appear as a lieutenant, a common officer. This can be read as an aspiration for direct engagement with her military, or an appeal to simplicity. The rearing horse is an ancient symbol, but its continual reuse speaks to our collective fascination with power and control. Each time the symbol reappears, it’s reshaped by new cultural forces. It echoes through time, transformed but still recognizable, reminding us of the enduring human quest for order.