Assembly under Peter I
Artist: Stanisław Chlebowski (Polish, 1835–1884)
Date: 1858
Medium: Oil on canvas
Collection: The State Russian Museum, Saint Petersburg, Russia
Description
In 1718, Peter the Great issued a decree establishing assemblies, entertainment evenings that became an essential part of St. Petersburg's social life. They served as the prototype for the lavish high-society balls for which the Russian imperial court was renowned. Assemblies were held in rotation in the homes of the nobility and were distinguished by a certain democratic spirit. Anyone could attend, excluding peasants and members of the urban poor. Dancing, various games, and interesting conversations were common pastimes. By introducing assemblies, Peter sought to introduce certain Western European traditions to Russian soil. He considered them useful and, in particular, served to emancipate women, whose lives had previously been focused exclusively on domestic duties.