Utkin, Nikolai Ivanovich. Empress Catherine II for a walk in the park of Tsarskoe Selo (2) Hermitage ~ part 12

The engraving presents a woman in formal attire standing within a meticulously rendered park landscape. She is positioned centrally, dominating the composition with her stature and elaborate dress. The figure wears a long, flowing coat trimmed with fur, indicative of high status and wealth. A tall, ornate headdress further emphasizes her position. In her right hand, she holds what appears to be a walking stick or scepter, suggesting authority and control. Beside her stands a slender greyhound, a breed often associated with nobility and refinement.
The park itself is depicted with considerable detail; dense foliage frames the scene, creating a sense of enclosure and privacy. A tall obelisk rises behind the woman, acting as a visual marker of power and permanence. The perspective suggests a deliberate arrangement of the landscape, implying an environment designed for display and enjoyment by those in positions of authority.
The engraving’s monochrome palette contributes to its solemnity and formality. Light falls primarily on the figure, highlighting her features and clothing while leaving the background in shadow. This contrast reinforces the subjects prominence and creates a sense of distance between her and the viewer. The careful rendering of textures – the fur trim, the fabric folds, the bark of trees – demonstrates technical skill and adds to the overall impression of opulence.
Subtly embedded within this scene are indications of imperial power and cultivated leisure. The park itself represents an idealized version of nature, tamed and shaped for human enjoyment – a visual metaphor for the ruler’s dominion over both land and people. The greyhound serves not only as a companion but also as a symbol of aristocratic taste and refinement. The obelisk, with its implied historical significance, subtly links the woman to a lineage of power and tradition. Overall, the engraving conveys an image of controlled elegance and unquestioned authority, reinforcing the subject’s elevated status within a hierarchical society.