Political Theology of Baroque Ruler: The Case of the Coronation Book of Empress Elizabeth of Russia

The study analyses the political theology and imagery of a female Russian ruler in first half 18th century context European discourses on feminine rulers during baroque period. coronation ritual Empress Elizabeth (ruled 1741-1761, crowned 25 April 1742) reflected book (1744) illustrates transition images into semiotics westernized absolutism. appears court media (sermons, engravings book, poems, etc.) as natural, God-given mother all Russians, saving Orthodoxy from chaos previous rule, combining both masculine ruler. image sermon by Archbishop Novgorod Ambrosii variation liturgy absolutist culture century.