Sunday, March 28, 2010

Konstantin Flavitsky - Princess Tarakanova, in the Peter and Paul Fortress at the Time of the Flood

Konstantin Flavitsky (1830-1866) - Princess Tarakanova, in the Peter and Paul Fortress at the Time of the Flood 
Russia 6k Stamp Issued 1980
Painting held in Tretyakov Gallery, Moscow

This painting is an artistic impression of the last moments of Princess Tarakanova, meaning the Princess of Cockroaches.  She was imprisoned after being exposed as an imposter of a member of the Russian royal family while travelling in Tuscany.  Although legend has it that she died in a flood in 1777, it is more likely that she was executed in 1775. This painting was completed in 1864.  Light shafts through the window of the Peter and Paul fortress as the water rises - it will eventually capture this troubled 22 year old woman - the tragedy is immediate and realistic.

The painting was completed in 1864.

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