1772
oil on canvas
205 x 347

The painting is an impressive sight uniting depictions of concrete historical persons and the free fantasy of the artist. The colour scheme is conventional. The composition is decorative and the documentary details are precise. The canvas was called upon to glorify the victories of Russian arms during the Russo-Turkish War of 1768–1774. Catherine II in the guise of the goddess Minerva is seated in a triumphal chariot surrounded by allegorical depictions of grateful nations inhabiting the southern borders of the Russian Empire. Winged creations hovering in the clouds trumpet her glory and crown her with a laurel wreath. Catherine is accompanied by warriors, her close assistants, the first knights of the Order of St George – P.A. Rumiantsev, A.G. Orlov, P.I. Panin, V.M. Dolgoruky, N.V. Repnin and F.G. Orlov. The procession is headed by G.G. Orlov, the Empress’s favourite. He is portrayed before Catherine’s chariot wearing a diamond studded portrait of the Sovereign on his chest.

at 10, Lavrushinsky Lane, Hall 2