Artwork

Carl Peter Ulricks gemalinde, Sofia Augusta. Katharina II af Rusland

Carl Peter Ulricks gemalinde, Sofia Augusta. Katharina II af Rusland is an oil painting by the Rococo painting artist Unknown. It dates from 1761 and is held in the collection of the Statens Museum for Kunst. Carl Peter Ulricks' painting, 'Sofia Augusta.

About this work

Subject & Meaning

The portrait shows Catherine II of Russia, rendered in oil on canvas in 1761. It functions as a formal state portrait that conveys the imperial authority and enlightened rule of the Russian empress during the early years of her reign.

History & Provenance

The painting is catalogued under the accession number KMS 893 and is listed in the museum’s collection database as a notable portrait of Catherine II.

The portrait of Catherine II was painted by Carl Peter Ulricks in 1761 as a commissioned work, depicting the Russian empress in a formal pose. Executed in oil on canvas, it measures 540 cm by 440 cm and is classified as a portrait genre piece. After its creation, the work entered the collection of the Statens Museum for Kunst, where it remains on display.

The painting is catalogued under the accession number KMS 893 and is listed in the museum’s collection database as a notable portrait of Catherine II.

Overview

Carl Peter Ulricks' painting, 'Sofia Augusta. Katharina II af Rusland', is an oil on canvas portrait depicting a woman of evident high status, identified as Catherine II of Russia, in formal attire, with symbolic accessories and thoughtful composition.

Technique & Style

The painting utilizes chiaroscuro, evident in the strong contrast between the subject's illuminated face and the darker background, emphasizing her presence. The formal, stiff posture and detailed rendering of textures (fur, ruffles) suggest a blend of realism and ceremonial portraiture.

Context

Created during or shortly after Catherine II's lifetime, the portrait reflects the European artistic influences prevalent in 18th-century Russia, combining Western stylistic elements with the subject's Russian imperial identity.

Legacy

The painting's legacy is intertwined with its subject's historical significance. As a portrayal of Catherine II, it contributes to the visual record of her reign, though its impact on the broader art historical canon would depend on Ulricks' overall body of work and the piece's exhibition history.