Vigilius Eriksen (1722–1782)
Catherine the Great in Her Coronation Robe, 1778–79
Oil on canvas
Catherine II (1729–1796) was married to Charles Peter Ulrich, Duke of Holsten-Gottorp, who in January 1762 was proclaimed Emperor of Russia as Tsar Peter III. However, just six months later she orchestrated a coup d’état that overthrew her husband and placed her on the throne as Empress of Russia; a position she maintained for thirty-four years, becoming known as Catherine the Great.
Vigilius Eriksen was Catherine II’s favourite painter. She showered him with commissions and sat for him on several occasions.1 As painter at the Russian court from approximately 1757 to 1772, he executed several official portraits of Catherine II, and it was not unusual for him to later paint additional versions of these works in large as well as smaller formats. For example, the portrait of the Empress in the David Collection is a smaller version of an official, life-sized portrait that Eriksen executed in St. Petersburg in 1765.2
Catherine II stands majestically in the centre of the painting, poised in front of the imperial throne, which is covered with dark red fabric. Eriksen has used effective contrasts of light and colour to make the empress brightly luminous amidst the dark surroundings, commanding our full attention. A number of elements further testify to her status, power and authority as empress: Catherine II is wearing a dress in silver brocade and an ermine robe, both adorned with the imperial double-headed eagle. She wears the large imperial crown designed and executed in St. Petersburg in 1762 specifically on the occasion of her coronation. On a chain upon Catherine II’s bosom is the Order of St. Andrew, which was founded by Tsar Peter the Great (1672-1725) in 1698 and was at the time the highest and most distinguished of the Russian imperial orders of chivalry. In a final proclamation of sovereignty, she holds an orb in her left hand and a sceptre in her right.
Eriksen’s portrait was acquired by The David Collection in 1967.
Vigilius Eriksen was Catherine II’s favourite painter. She showered him with commissions and sat for him on several occasions.1 As painter at the Russian court from approximately 1757 to 1772, he executed several official portraits of Catherine II, and it was not unusual for him to later paint additional versions of these works in large as well as smaller formats. For example, the portrait of the Empress in the David Collection is a smaller version of an official, life-sized portrait that Eriksen executed in St. Petersburg in 1765.2
Catherine II stands majestically in the centre of the painting, poised in front of the imperial throne, which is covered with dark red fabric. Eriksen has used effective contrasts of light and colour to make the empress brightly luminous amidst the dark surroundings, commanding our full attention. A number of elements further testify to her status, power and authority as empress: Catherine II is wearing a dress in silver brocade and an ermine robe, both adorned with the imperial double-headed eagle. She wears the large imperial crown designed and executed in St. Petersburg in 1762 specifically on the occasion of her coronation. On a chain upon Catherine II’s bosom is the Order of St. Andrew, which was founded by Tsar Peter the Great (1672-1725) in 1698 and was at the time the highest and most distinguished of the Russian imperial orders of chivalry. In a final proclamation of sovereignty, she holds an orb in her left hand and a sceptre in her right.
Eriksen’s portrait was acquired by The David Collection in 1967.