Who painted Peter the Great?

Peter the Great was painted by Unknown in 1898.

Where can I see Peter the Great?

Peter the Great is held by Victoria and Albert Museum.

What movement is Peter the Great?

Peter the Great is associated with Impressionism.

Artwork

Peter the Great

Unknown , 1898

Peter the Great is a print by the Impressionist artist Unknown. It dates from 1898 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum.

About this work

This print shows Henry Irving in costume as Peter the Great. He stands in a grand pose with one hand on his hip and the other resting on a throne.

The play opened in January 1898 at London’s Lyceum Theatre. Irving played the Russian tsar, with Ellen Terry as his wife Catherine. It was a big production for the time.

If you like this portrait, check out the Victoria and Albert Museum.

Overview

This 1898 print depicts Henry Irving in the title role of 'Peter the Great', a play produced at London's Lyceum Theatre under Irving's Actor-Management. The image captures Irving in a characteristic pose as the Russian tsar.

Subject & Meaning

The print focuses on Henry Irving's portrayal of Peter the Great, highlighting his performance in a grand, authoritative stance. The play itself was a new, original work featured in the Lyceum's repertoire.

Technique & Style

The print's visual elements, such as Irving's posed figure with one hand on his hip and the other on a throne, convey a sense of regal presence, though specific artistic techniques or styles used in the print are not detailed here.

History & Provenance

The play 'Peter the Great' opened at the Lyceum Theatre in January 1898, with a notable cast including Ellen Terry as Catherine. The print commemorates this production, though its creator and subsequent ownership history are not specified.

Context

As part of Irving's Actor-Management at the Lyceum, 'Peter the Great' represented a significant theatrical undertaking of its time, featuring a high-profile cast and presumably ambitious staging.