Portrait of Alexander I

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Russian Romantics based their works on unusual stories drawn from real life, history and nature. The bust of Emperor Alexander I by Louis-Marie Guichard exemplifies the Romantic idea of the warrior era, showcasing his uniform adorned with Russia's highest decoration, the Order of St. Andrew, alongside the Order of St. George. Members of the imperial dynasty received the St. Andrew Star by birthright, while the Order of St. George was awarded for exceptional bravery in battle – a distinction earned only by Alexander I and Nicholas II among Russian emperors. Romantics stressed the importance of unbridled individuality, focusing intensely on the inner workings of the human soul. Feelings, thoughts, anxieties and passions formed the core theme of Alexander Pushkin's poetry as well as portraits painted by Romantic artists. Portrayalists like Orest Kiprensky and Alexander Varnek sought to break free from routine, capturing individuals at extraordinary moments when they revealed their best qualities, thereby emphasizing Russians who heroically defended their homeland during the Patriotic War of 1812.