Russian Art
Unknown
"Portrait of Tsar Alexei Mikhailovich". 1670 (or ear
Notes: Portrait of Tsar Alexei Mikhailovich
This painting is an example of the so-called "parsuna" or more lifelike representation of a living person. The freer composition and style of the "parsuna" differ from those of icon paintings which were executed according to a strict set of rules. Many "parsuna" images were depicted on wood, though this painting is on canvas. Russia's Tsars were partially responsible for the development of this more lifelike painting, since the secularization of art served their persons and purposes. The celebration of a living ruler in images helped to aggrandize him and to reinforce his power.
