lanceray empress elizabeth petrovna at tsarskoye selo 1905 Lanceray

Description of the painting "Empress Elizaveta Petrovna in Tsarskoe Selo" by Evgeny Lancere

The author of the monumental paintings, Evgeny Lancere visited the Tsarskoselsky Park from a young age, looking at the architecture of the Catherine Palace studied it. In his painting "The Empress Elizabeth Petrovna in Tsarskoye Selo" he succeeded in conveying the era of Elizabeth Petrovna. The size of the canvas (paper on cardboard) is 43,5х62 cm.

The painting conveys the atmosphere of how solemn the court and retinue of Elizabeth Petrovna go out in the country residence. It is as if we see a kind of theatrical performance in front of the audience. The stout Empress Elizabeth Petrovna sails majestically and regally past the audience. The Empress’s long plume is tried to be solemnly carried by an arabesque boy, who is lost among the sumptuously dressed courtiers. She is followed by her retinue of ladies and gentlemen, who are also dressed in lavish attire and wearing powdered wigs.

Looking at the picture we can try to reveal all the characters and types of people depicted in it, reading their poses, gestures and faces. Lanceret portrayed not only the haughty faces of the haughty courtiers, we also notice the downcast, timid looks. The author tried to show a certain grotesque, as well as his irony of what is happening. Lanceret is trying to contrast the people he portrays in the picture and architecture - the nobility of austerity white marble statues of their true grandeur, which was able to embody in the remarkable architecture of the palace of Rastrelli. The artist has managed to convey the beauty of the park of Tsarskoye Selo well.

In the picture there is no illusion of space. The canvas is painted in gouache, but there are several feather one-color watercolor headpieces.