# Catherine II of Russia

> eighth Emperor of Russia, called the Great, r. 1762–1796 (lived 1729-1796)

**Wikidata**: [Q36450](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q36450)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Catherine_the_Great)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/catherine-the-great

## Summary
Catherine II of Russia, also known as Catherine the Great, was the eighth and greatest Empress of Russia who reigned from 1762 to 1796. Born Sophie Friederike Auguste von Anhalt-Zerbst, she transformed the Russian Empire into a dominant global power through significant territorial expansion and extensive cultural patronage. Her legacy is defined by the founding of the Hermitage Museum, the modernization of the Russian state, and the establishment of Russia as a major player in European arts and politics.

## Biography
- **Born:** April 21, 1729 (or May 2, 1729) in Stettin (now Szczecin, Poland)
- **Nationality:** Russian (also held citizenship in the Kingdom of Prussia)
- **Education:** Not specified in source material; corresponded with Enlightenment thinkers
- **Known for:** Reigning as the eighth and greatest Emperor of Russia (1762–1796), founding the Hermitage Museum, and expanding the Russian Empire
- **Employer(s):** Russian Empire (as Head of State/Emperor)
- **Field(s):** Monarchy, Statecraft, Cultural Patronage, Art Collecting

## Contributions
Catherine II of Russia's contributions spanned state-building, cultural preservation, and territorial expansion:
- **Founding the Hermitage Museum (1764):** Commissioned the Small Hermitage building to house her private art collection, which later grew into one of the world's largest museums with over 3 million items.
- **Territorial Expansion:** Oversaw the incorporation of territories such as the Kingdom of Imereti, Talysh Khanate, Principality of Abkhazia, and Shahrisabz beylik into the Russian Empire.
- **Cultural Acquisitions:** Acquired 225 paintings from the collection of Sir Robert Walpole in 1779, significantly expanding the imperial art holdings.
- **Institutional Development:** Established the Hermitage Academic Library on July 27, 1762, creating a major research resource for art history.
- **Architectural Patronage:** Commissioned the construction of Tsaritsyno Park and palace (1776), Chesme Church (1777), and the Saint Petersburg Mining University (1773).
- **Diplomatic and Military Leadership:** Led the empire through conflicts including the French invasion of Russia, the Third Silesian War, the Crimean War, the Russo-Japanese War, and World War I (though the latter occurred after her death, her reign set the stage for these conflicts).
- **Artistic Commissions:** Commissioned works from leading European artists and dealers, fostering a tradition of state-sponsored cultural patronage.
- **Founding Cities:** The city of Krasnodar was founded in 1793 as the fortress of Yekaterinodar ("Catherine's gift") in her honor.

## FAQs
**What was Catherine II of Russia's original name and nationality?**
She was born Sophie Friederike Auguste von Anhalt-Zerbst and held citizenship in both the Russian Empire and the Kingdom of Prussia before ascending to the Russian throne.

**How did Catherine II influence the development of museums in Russia?**
She founded the Hermitage Museum in 1764 as a private gallery for her personal art collection, which eventually evolved into a public institution housing over 3 million artifacts and becoming one of the world's oldest and largest museums.

**Which territories were incorporated into the Russian Empire during her reign?**
Her rule saw the incorporation of several entities, including the Kingdom of Imereti, Talysh Khanate, Principality of Abkhazia, and Shahrisabz beylik, significantly expanding the empire's borders.

**What major cultural institutions did Catherine II establish?**
She founded the Hermitage Museum and its associated Academic Library in 1762, commissioned the construction of the Saint Petersburg Mining University in 1773, and supported the development of Tsaritsyno Park and the Chesme Church.

**How is Catherine II remembered in modern geography?**
The city of Krasnodar was originally named Yekaterinodar ("Catherine's gift") in her honor upon its founding in 1793, reflecting her lasting impact on Russian place names.

## Why They Matter
Catherine II of Russia fundamentally altered the geopolitical and cultural landscape of Europe and Eurasia. Her reign transformed the Russian Empire from a regional power into a dominant global force, spanning three continents and covering 23.7 million square kilometers at its height in 1865. By establishing the Hermitage Museum and fostering a tradition of state-sponsored art patronage, she positioned Russia as a central player in European cultural affairs, preserving masterpieces by artists like Rembrandt and Leonardo da Vinci that might otherwise have been lost. Her administrative reforms and territorial expansions set the stage for the modern Russian state, influencing international relations and shaping the boundaries of Eastern Europe and Asia for centuries. Without her leadership, the Russian Empire might not have achieved its status as a major world power, and the cultural heritage preserved in institutions like the Hermitage would be significantly diminished.

## Notable For
- Being the eighth and greatest Emperor of Russia, reigning from 1762 to 1796.
- Founding the Hermitage Museum in 1764, now one of the world's largest and oldest museums.
- Expanding the Russian Empire to cover 23.7 million square kilometers in 1865, making it the largest country in the world at that time.
- Acquiring the largest collection of Rembrandt paintings in the world (over 1,600 works) and the largest collection of Leonardo da Vinci works (38 pieces).
- Establishing the Hermitage Academic Library in 1762, one of the oldest academic libraries connected to a museum.
- Founding the city of Yekaterinodar (now Krasnodar) in 1793, named in her honor.
- Commissioning the construction of Tsaritsyno Park, Chesme Church, and the Saint Petersburg Mining University.
- Receiving the Order of the White Eagle, Order of the Black Eagle, Order of St. Andrew, Order of Saint Catherine, Order of St. George, and Order of Saint Anna.
- Corresponding with Enlightenment thinkers and commissioning works from leading European artists.
- Serving as a member of the Holy Alliance and maintaining diplomatic relations with the United States and the Empire of Japan.

## Body
### Early Life and Ascension
Catherine II of Russia was born Sophie Friederike Auguste von Anhalt-Zerbst on April 21, 1729 (or May 2, 1729). She held citizenship in the Russian Empire and the Kingdom of Prussia. Her reign as the eighth and greatest Emperor of Russia began in 1762 and lasted until her death in 1796. She was a member of the Holy Alliance and maintained diplomatic relations with the United States and the Empire of Japan.

### Reign and Governance
Catherine II ruled as an absolute monarchy from 1762 to 1796, during which time the Russian Empire functioned as a sovereign state and empire. The head of state held the title "Emperor of all the Russias." Her reign saw the incorporation of several preceding entities, including the Tsardom of Russia, Kingdom of Imereti, Talysh Khanate, Principality of Abkhazia, and Shahrisabz beylik. The government structure remained an absolute monarchy until 1905, after which it shifted to a constitutional monarchy.

### Cultural Patronage and the Hermitage
In 1764, Catherine II founded the Hermitage Museum by commissioning the Small Hermitage building to house her private art collection. The term "Hermitage" derives from the French word for a private retreat, reflecting the collection's origins as an intimate space for the empress's personal enjoyment. Her acquisition of 225 paintings from the collection of Sir Robert Walpole in 1779 marked the first major expansion of the collection beyond the imperial court. The museum opened to the public in 1852, though access remained limited until the 1917 Russian Revolution. The Hermitage Academic Library was founded on July 27, 1762, serving as a major research resource for art historians and museum scholars.

### Territorial Expansion and Geography
Under Catherine II, the Russian Empire expanded significantly, spanning Eurasia and North America (Russian America). The empire covered 23,700,000 km² in 1865, including Russian America, and 21,800,251 km² in 1914. The North American territories, known as Russian America, existed from roughly 1730 until March 30, 1867. The empire shared borders with the German Empire, United States, Qing dynasty, Empire of Japan, Austria–Hungary, and the British Empire.

### Architectural and Institutional Legacy
Catherine II commissioned the construction of several significant structures, including Tsaritsyno Park and palace (1776), Chesme Church (1777), and the Saint Petersburg Mining University (1773). The city of Krasnodar was founded in 1793 as the fortress of Yekaterinodar ("Catherine's gift") in her honor. She also supported the development of the Alexander Palace (1793) and the Sophia Cathedral (1788).

### Awards and Recognition
Catherine II received numerous awards and decorations, including the Order of the White Eagle, Order of the Black Eagle, Order of St. Andrew, Order of Saint Catherine, Order of St. George, and Order of Saint Anna. She was also a member of the Royal Order of the Seraphim. Her legacy is commemorated in various ways, including the naming of the city of Krasnodar and the establishment of the Hermitage Museum.

### Death and Succession
Catherine II died on November 17, 1796 (or November 6, 1796). She was succeeded by Paul I of Russia, who reigned from 1796 to 1801. The Russian Empire continued to exist until September 1, 1917, when it was dissolved following the February Revolution and the abolition of the monarchy.

### Related Entities and Collections
The Hermitage Museum, founded by Catherine II, houses over 3 million items, including works by Rembrandt, Leonardo da Vinci, and Picasso. The museum's collection includes specific works such as "The Return of the Prodigal Son" by Rembrandt, "Woman in Black" by Renoir, and "The Madonna and Child" by Leonardo da Vinci. The museum complex consists of six interconnected historic buildings, including the Winter Palace, Small Hermitage, Great Hermitage, Hermitage Theatre, Menshikov Palace, and General Staff Building.

### International Connections
Catherine II maintained diplomatic relations with the United States and the Empire of Japan. The Hermitage Museum, founded by her, has established partnerships with major institutions worldwide, including the Getty Museum, the British Museum, and the Louvre. The museum maintains a global presence through its Hermitage Amsterdam branch and traveling exhibitions.

### Legacy and Influence
Catherine II's reign set the stage for the 20th century, influencing the geopolitical landscape of Europe, Asia, and North America. Her participation in major conflicts like the Napoleonic Wars, Crimean War, and World War I, alongside her internal social and political evolution, shaped modern boundaries and international relations. The empire's collapse precipitated the rise of the Soviet Union, fundamentally altering world history. Her legacy continues through the Hermitage Museum, which serves as a central repository of world culture and a testament to her cultural patronage.

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