Peter the GreatThis compelling portrait by Grigory Musikiysky captures the strength and determination of the warrior-tsar in 1723, after more than three decades of personal rule. In his hand Peter holds the scepter, symbol of royal sovereignty, and across his breastplate is draped an ermine fur, a mark of honor. In the background are the battleships of Russia’s new Baltic fleet and the famous St. Peter and St. Paul Fortress that Peter built in St. Petersburg. Peter the Great commissioned this magnificent new crown (left) for himself for his 1682 joint coronation with his half brother Ivan. (crown: bpk, Berlin/Kremlin Museum, Moscow, Russia/Art Resource, NY; portrait: Hermitage, St. Petersburg, Russia/The Bridgeman Art Library)