Empresses of Russia: Fact or Fiction - Were They Fat?

The portrayal of Russian Empresses Catherine I, Anna I, Elizabeth I, and Catherine II as fat is a common misconception that has persisted for years. In reality, these historical figures varied in their physical stature and beauty, and it is crucial to understand the context and societal norms of their time to accurately assess their appearance.

Societal Norms and Beauty Standards

During the 18th and 19th centuries, there were distinct societal norms and beauty standards. Being slim was not a universal aspiration; in fact, a more robust or stocky build was often considered attractive and associated with wealth and strength. Physical appearance played a significant role in the court, and being attractive was an essential trait for empresses and their alignment with societal ideals.

Catherine I: Strong and Stocky

Catherine I was known for her robust and robust body type, which was generally seen as a sign of strength and attractiveness. She ended up with a more substantial figure due to having 12 children, but this was a common occurrence for women of the time. Her physical build was such that it was considered impressive and desirable. At the start of her life, she was considered very attractive, a far cry from the later misconception of her being fat.

Anna I: The Fat Empress

Anna I, however, was the notable exception among these empresses. She was known to be overweight and was also described as unattractive. Contemporary accounts suggest that her cheeks were compared to 'ham,' which indicates her substantial body mass. Unlike Catherine I, her later life saw her gain considerable weight, and this shift in physical appearance contributed to her more infamous legacy in historical narratives.

Elizabeth I: Beauty and Anti-Fat Standards

Elizabeth I of Russia was considered the most beautiful woman at court when she was young. However, with age, she lost her youthful beauty, a common occurrence. Despite her later appearance, she was never portrayed as fat during her reign. She was admired for her charm and grace, and her physical appearance remained an asset throughout her life.

Catherine II: From Skinny to Bulky

Catherine II, known as Catherine the Great, maintained a slimmer figure during her youth. She was not considered a great beauty, in comparison to Catherine I and Elizabeth I, but her physical appearance evolved over time. As she aged, she developed a more substantial figure, a natural and common occurrence attributed to the physical demands of age and possibly increased weight due to aging or the lifestyle of the royal courts.

Conclusion

It is essential to recognize that the term 'fat' as used in historic descriptions of these empresses is often a misinterpretation of the standards of beauty and physical health during their times. Understanding the historical context helps in accurately portraying these women. Catherine I and Catherine II, in particular, were more often described as robust or strong, rather than fat, while Anna I stands out as the notable exception among these empresses.

Finally, it's important to consider how fashion and societal standards have evolved over time. Slim bodies became more desirable in the 20th century as modern fashion began emphasizing a particular body type. In the past, being 'big' or robust was often seen as a sign of wealth and health, not necessarily as an unattractive trait.

References

For further reading, please consider the following sources:

tPrimary Historical Accounts of Russian Empresses tHistorical Fashion and Beauty Standards tBiographies of Russian Empresses