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The snuff-boxes of Catherine the Great
…You are not Aurora borealis (Northern lights), you are the brightest
star of the North, and there has never existed a star so beneficial
– this is how Voltaire characterised Catherine the Great. During her reign,
which is considered to be the Golden Age of the Russian history,
Russia became a European country and St. Petersburg gained a significant
place among the capitals of the educated world. The political success
of Catherine II contributed considerably to her personal prestige, but
it was really the flourishing of sciences and arts that gave a special
brilliance to her reign. Under the Empress's order a magnificent Palace
ensemble was erected, which became both the Royal residence and the depository
of artistic values.
The main events in Catherine's reign and personal life were reflected
not only in monuments, but also in miniature snuff-boxes which were often
presented as an award, a diplomatic gift or a private present.
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Portrait of Catherine II
Virgilius Eriksen
Larger view
Round Snuffbox with Diamond Rosettes
Larger
view
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Complete playbill of all St. Petersburg,Russia theatres, shows, concerts, etc. !
World-known music festival "The Stars of the White Nights".