Peter I (the Great) Interrogating Tsarevich Alexei Petrovich in Peterhof

This historical painting depicts a dramatic moment in the history of Russia where the tsar, Peter the Great, interrogates his son Alexei Petrovich about his attempt to seize the throne by fleeing to Austria. Nikolai Ge took a great deal of care and effort into the creation of this painting. He read several historical documents and even unofficial correspondence in order to understand the entire context behind the event. He used descriptions in these letters to paint Peter the Great and Alexei Tsarevich or Petrovich. The piece is set in a somber tone with stern reds and browns along with dark grays and muted tones that inform the seriousness of the situation. Peter the Great is dressed in the attire of the Preobrazhensky guards, a dark green and red-cuffed uniform of the imperial guard of the monarchy. His gaze is full of righteous anger and suspicion though heavily guarded in his expression. He is seated with his legs crossed, however his body leans away, alluding to the aversion he holds for his son. Alexei Tsarevich - a pale, tall and thin man- is dressed entirely in black, foreshadowing his impending death. His gaze is averted from the heated glare of his father. There are papers and an inkwell with a pen on the desk, possibly awaiting a signed confession of conspiracy from Alexei. The interior is historically accurate as Ge set the scene in the Monplasir palace at Peterhof. The tense scene is painted by combining Russian realism with French romanticism. This work remains unique due to the ambiguity of the truth of the historical event that is being displayed to the people of the present.