Portrait of Empress Elizabeth
by TOCQUÉ, Louis, Oil on canvas, 262 x 204 cm
One of the most distinguished portraitists of his day, Tocqu� was invited to St. Petersburg to paint a gala portrait of the Russian empress. After a few sittings sin the palace, the artist produced a living image of Elizabeth, who is shown with the attributes of the monarchy: the orb and sceptre, as well as the badge and sash of the Order of St. Andrew the First-Called.