Part II. THE IMPERIAL MYTH IN ARTISTIC TEXTS
Journal: Academic Studies Press eBooks
Year: 2019

D uring the reign of Nicholas I (1825-1855), the idea of nationality (narodnost') represented far more than an ideological justification for absolutism in Russia. Nicholas sought to present the monarchy as an embodiment of Russian culture, to discover and foster an indigenous artistic tradition that would elevate his rule. Just as he brought the political police and the work of codification under his personal purview in his chancellery, he watched over and directed artistic creativity. His decre