Fireworks as a Mirror of Power: The Theatricalization of Monarchic Grandeur during the Reign of Elizaveta Petrovna
Abstract
The article explores the role of fireworks and illuminations as a tool for the representation of
power in mid-18th century Russia. They are considered not only as entertaining shows but also
as an element of state inner policy. The scenarios of the fire shows presented the audience the
stateideology via the allegories and symbols.
Especially is emphasized the development of the fireworks and their allegorical language
during the reign of Elizaveta Petrovna, for whom they served as the representation of her
power and legitimizing of her being at throne.
The fireworks, filled with allegories (for example, Jupiter as Peter I and Minerva as Elizaveta
herself), highlighted the continuity of power and legitimized the empress’s rule after the coup
of 1741. They also confirmed the empress’s image as a state defender of science and art.
These firework spectacles, through their emotional impact and the dissemination of engravings
depicting them, helped to shape a positive image of the monarch and strengthen the loyalty
of her subjects. Thus, fireworks and illuminations were not merely entertainment but also an
important political tool. They reflected state ideology and promoted the ideas of prosperity,
peace, and the continuity of power. These shows became an essential part of the official culture
and contributed to the formation of the new mythology of the Russian Empire.
The article also analyzes the technical and artistic aspects of creating fireworks and illuminations.
Keywords
Fireworks, illumination, Elizaveta Petrovna, Peter I, theatre performances, Baroque, representation
of power, allegories.
For citation
Zaslavskiy G.А., Smirnova Yu.A. Fireworks as a Mirror of Power: The Theatricalization of Monarchic Grandeur during the Reign of Elizaveta Petrovna. Theatre. Fine Arts. Cinema. Music. 2025, no. 1, pp. 73–88.
DOI: 10.35852/2588-0144-2025-1-73-88
EDN OYRLLQ
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Received: 10.11.2024
Revised: 12.02.2025
Accepted: 15.02.2025