The Empress Elizabeth of Russia (1709–1762) on Horseback, Attended by a Page

Georg Christoph Grooth

Created:
Movement:
1749
Rococo
key Notes:
Regal Equestrian Portrait, Baroque Opulence
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Dimensions:
31 3/8 x 24 1/2 in. (79.7 x 62.2 cm)
medium:
Oil on canvas
Difficulty:
Expert
New game
story of the work:

"The Empress Elizabeth of Russia (1709–1762) on Horseback, Attended by a Page" is a painting by Georg Christoph Grooth, created between 1743 and 1749. The work depicts Empress Elizabeth, the daughter of Peter the Great, in a regal pose on horseback, accompanied by a page. This painting reflects the grandeur and authority of Elizabeth's reign, which lasted from 1741 to 1762. Grooth was known for his portraiture and ability to capture the likeness and character of his subjects. The choice of equestrian portraiture emphasizes the empress's power and status. The specific circumstances of the commission and the painting's original location are unknown. The work is significant in the context of 18th-century Russian art and the representation of female rulers.

Description of the work:

"The Empress Elizabeth of Russia (1709–1762) on Horseback, Attended by a Page" by Georg Christoph Grooth is an oil on canvas painting created between 1743 and 1749. The composition features Empress Elizabeth elegantly mounted on a horse, exuding authority and grace. She is depicted in a lavish gown, adorned with intricate details that reflect her status. The horse is rendered with a sense of dynamism, its posture suggesting movement. A young page stands beside her, dressed in period attire, enhancing the sense of courtly hierarchy. The background is characterized by a natural landscape, which provides a serene context for the royal figure. The color palette is rich, with deep hues that convey opulence, while the brushwork demonstrates a refined technique typical of the period. The overall arrangement emphasizes the empress's prominence and the ceremonial nature of the scene.

Artwork Photograph Source:
Metropolitan Museum of Art

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The Empress Elizabeth of Russia (1709–1762) on Horseback, Attended by a Page