The empress of art: Catherine the Great and the transformation of Russia

Uittreksel

Traces the remarkable history of Catherine the Great's influential art collection and creation of the Hermitage, discussing how her cultural goals were part of a long-term plan to modernize and westernize Russia.

Inhoud

Part One: Extreme makeover. This heavy thing ; The brightest star of the North ; The ambrosia of Asia ; Collecting debut ; Building frenzy ; My falcon, my golden pheasant -- Part Two: Russia is a European nation. A monument to Peter and to you ; Make peace with your enemy ; My prodigal son ; The Saxon Richelieu ; The earth and sea trembled -- Part Three: War and love. Queen of feasts ; Dressed to "empress" ; Peace offerings ; Crozat the poor ; The coachman of Europe ; Tiger in the forest -- Part Four: Peace and prosperity. Sleepless nights ; Anglomania ; A crowd and not a city ; Breaking the mold ; Brother Gu ; Cateau and the hermit of Ferney -- Part Five: A second Rome. Cat and mouse ; Raphaelism ; Sashenka ; Palladio's shadow ; The Greek project -- Part Six: Empire building. Mother of the Fatherland ; A rose without thorns ; The Master of Neuwied ; An accidental Michelangelo ; Slings and arrows ; Baby Hercules -- Part Seven: War and revolution. Center stage ; Cameo fever ; Russia's paradise ; Betrayals ; French madness ; Curtain call -- Part Eight: Reaction. Tears and despair ; A ticking clock ; Warsaw's ours ; Catherine's library ; Queen of the world ; Joined in death -- Part Nine. Legacy. A son's revenge ; Art-loving grandsons ; The end of the line ; Raiding the Hermitage ; Preservation.