“The favorite must accompany the empress everywhere”
An unknown manuscript from the family archive of the princes Obolensky-Neledinsky-Meletsky
The life path of Catherine the Great, which ended in November 1796, excited the minds and imagination of both contemporaries and distant descendants. Fifteen-year-old Princess Sophia Frederica Augusta of Anhalt-Zerbst, brought to cold Russia in February 1744, experienced as many dangers and adventures as the famous adventurers of the 18th century could never have dreamed of.
German by nature and upbringing, who did not know the Russian language and customs, became the wife of her compatriot, who, by the will of fate, turned out to be the heir to the throne of a huge power. For eighteen years she endured a quarrelsome husband who hated her, for whom she herself felt nothing but disgust. And at any moment of this period of her life she could become a victim of court intrigue, the mood of a capricious husband or Empress Elizabeth.
Fate saved Catherine. She managed not only to survive, but also to attract to her side such forces that helped her get rid of her hated husband and ascend to the throne.
The next 34 years were filled with continuous work and struggle with numerous secret and overt enemies. Terrible epidemics of plague, smallpox and cholera, riots and uprisings, a peasant war led by the impostor Pugachev, a real threat from the impostor Tarakanova, intrigues of the Western courts, their own courtiers and the courtiers of the son, who was impatiently waiting for the throne, the greed of the nobles ruining the country, wars with Turkey and Sweden, the ever-seething and explosive Poland - all this required constant and enormous effort on the part of the supreme power concentrated in the hands of the empress.
Ekaterina managed to overcome everything. By the end of her reign, the population of Russia almost doubled, and the European territory increased by one and a half times: the western border was moved from Smolensk and Kiev to Grodno and Brest, Right Bank Ukraine, Belarus, Lithuania, Crimea and Transnistria were annexed, penetration into the North Caucasus began. The Black Sea Fleet has been created and the security of the southern borders has been ensured. The eternal “dispute of the Slavs” was stopped (as it seemed forever) by eliminating the main disputant, while the “apple of discord” - Poland - was divided in such a way that war with Prussia and Austria was avoided. Important reforms were carried out within the country, legislation was improved, secularization was carried out, which undermined the economic power of the main rival of the supreme power - the clergy, one and a half hundred new cities were built, Russia began the active development of Siberia, the Far East, Alaska...
However, much has been written about Catherine the legislator, Catherine the warrior, Catherine the patroness of science and art, Catherine the philosopher, publicist, playwright, and memoirist. It remains to be stated that the title “Great”, assigned to her at the beginning of her reign, was honestly earned. And it should also be noted that with all her intelligence, talent, intuition and amazing performance, Catherine would hardly have been able to achieve such results without relying on the faithful and courageous associates with whom she managed to surround herself. They were strong, brave and determined executors of her will. We must not forget that Catherine was a woman, and a lonely woman, and, like any normal woman, she needed male attention, affection and love.
The external side of the reign of Catherine II has been studied quite fully, in contrast to the personal life of the empress. The royal descendants jealously guarded Catherine's honor. Even her own Notes, which slightly lift the veil over the Empress’s personal life, were first published in Russia only after the 1905 revolution, which constitutionally enshrined freedom of speech and the press.
Of course the Forbidden fruit always attractive. Despite the threat of cruel punishment, rumors about Catherine’s lovers constantly circulated in society (who, by the way, did not make a secret of this at all). Often the ardent imagination of ordinary people endowed the empress with the properties of the famous Egyptian queen Cleopatra, and the number of lovers amounted to almost dozens annually. More reliable and moderate were the stories of court eyewitnesses to their close friends and relatives. Sometimes these stories were written down and passed down from generation to generation, like secret and very dangerous relics, intended for reading in the narrowest circle.
One of these relics, telling about the secrets of the court of Elizabeth Petrovna, Peter III and Catherine II, was kept in the family archive of the princes Obolensky-Neledinsky-Meletsky, which in 1919 was transferred to the State historical Museum. This is a notebook made from 14 double sheets of good writing paper with a gold edge and a watermark indicating the year the paper was made - 1829.
The manuscript has the title “About Catherine’s Favorites” and is written in black ink. Features of the outline of a number of letters, as well as some turns of phrase, indicate that the person who wrote the text (and possibly its author) learned to read and write in the 2nd half of the 18th century and was a contemporary of at least the last years of the reign of Catherine II. The facts presented in the manuscript are confirmed by many other sources, which indicates a high degree of its reliability. The manuscript, of course, is not signed, and the source of information is also not indicated. Her appearance suggests that it has been in the hands of many people - the manuscript has been literally read to the core. One of the readers apparently tried a pencil in the margins of one sheet - the half-erased inscription remained: “Kochubey. Prince Lev Kochubey." Lev Viktorovich Kochubey (1810-1890), a St. Petersburg acquaintance of Pushkin, a cavalry guard in 1829, later a privy councilor, archaeologist and numismatist, the son of a major statesman V.P. Kochubey, who in 1787 was a chamber cadet and, together with Yu. A. Neledinsky-Meletsky was constantly with Catherine II during her trip to Crimea. The family of the princes Obolensky, in which this manuscript was kept (and, apparently, created), was related and had friendly ties with almost all the people who made up the inner circle of Catherine II. Therefore, there is no doubt that the information recorded in 1829 or a little later was obtained, as they say, “first-hand.”
Noteworthy is the calm, impartial tone of the presentation, the lack of desire to somehow justify or discredit Catherine II or Peter III. As for Elizabeth Petrovna, the author, noting her “womblessness,” believes that “She reigned weakly for 20 years and is more worthy of vegetating in monastic life than sitting on the throne.”
I would like to hope that the publication of this manuscript will help dispel the myth about the excessive voluptuousness of Catherine II. Historical sources indicate only 12-15 names of her lovers over a period of 52 years adult life. In fact, this is not so much - an average of one favorite per 4 years. With two of them - Orlov and Potemkin - Catherine lived for 12 years, constantly taming the violent temper of both. Not every modern woman can boast of such a length of marriage or life together.
And if you consider that Catherine lived in the “gallant” 18th century, known for freedom and even the unbridled morals that reigned at European courts (and at the court of Elizabeth Petrovna too), then Catherine II should be recognized for relative restraint in her personal life. The rationalism characteristic of this German woman on the Russian throne forced her, even in love affairs, to strive to combine “business with pleasure.” She tried to attract all her favorites to active government or military activities. It is significant that her most capable and active comrades stayed with her the longest. It is worth remembering Orlov’s pacification of the plague-ridden, rebellious Moscow of 1771 or Potemkin’s courage on the battlefields.
Catherine generously rewarded her comrades, encouraging in others “jealousy for the fatherland” and the desire to earn the personal favor of the empress. It seems that Catherine’s combination of love and politics greatly contributed to the fact that she was able to pass on to her heirs not only a mighty power, but also outstanding figures who, like the legendary “chicks of Petrov’s nest,” strengthened and defended great Russia.
ABOUT CATHERINE'S FAVORITES
1772 Orlov and Vasilchikov 1
Catherine loved Orlov quite a lot; he never loved her and was attached to her out of ambition and gratitude, considering himself the complete ruler over Catherine. Orlov lost interest in her: her very tenderness weighed on him; the more she tried to attract him to herself, the more he turned away from her. Humiliated by Orlov’s coldness and infidelity, but attached to him through his son (Bobrinsky) 2 , having become accustomed to him, she did not dare to think about terminating her connection with him.
Bobrinsky was raised very secretly on the outskirts of the capital, where the Empress often visited him under a false name. One day, returning from her son and thinking about keeping Orlov from going wild, she decided to marry him secretly, but Orlov proudly rejected this proposal and answered her,<что>feels worthy, not secretly, but openly, to bear the name of her husband and sit next to her on the throne that he delivered to her. Catherine hid her feelings.
Graph<Н. И.>Panin, who wished Orlov every death, lay in wait for the Empress’s eyes and soon noticed that she often and tenderly looked at the guard, Second Lieutenant Vasilchikov. Zakhary Grigorievich Chernyshev 3 undertook to help Panin, and Vasilchikov was made Catherine’s lover, granted her chamberlain, and so on. Orlov was then in Focsani to conclude peace 4 . Having learned about the new lover, he forgot about the negotiations and rode to S.<анкт>-P<етер>burg; but at the outpost an order was announced to him: not to let him into the capital; he retired to his dacha. Meanwhile, the Empress, who knew Orlov’s violence and feared that he would not come to her without permission, ordered the guard in the palace to be doubled; station sentries at the doors of his new lover and change the locks of his rooms, to which Orlov had the key. When Orlov was told that he should resign, he proudly replied, “that he doesn’t want to resign, but wants to serve.” Finally, Catherine entered into negotiations with him, as a result of which he agreed to travel for some time in Europe; and for this humility, in addition to significant gifts, he was elevated to the dignity of His Serene Highness.
Orlov died in Moscow in 1784 in madness; remorse tormented him; the bloodied wife of Peter III haunted his imagination. At the end of his life he had a wonderful wife 5 , who died in Lausanne in 1782, multiplying Orlov’s sorrows.
1774. Potemkin 6
Vasilchikov celebrated for 22 months: he was sent to Moscow; Potemkin took his place. This new favorite, awarded from the first date with an advantage over his former rivals, secretly helped the Empress in military troubles; drove away the fear of indignation 7 , which greatly worried her, and reassured her about Orlov’s enmity with Panin. Potemkin's quarrel with Alexei Orlov 8 was the reason for his removal from the Court; he returned to his homeland in Smolensk, lived for about a year in solitude and, following a letter to Catherine, was returned to her. He was placed in the palace. He acquired almost unconditional dominion over Catherine. If she sometimes refused him other inappropriate demands, he forced her to do so with indignation, and sometimes with abuse. They claim that Potemkin, like Orlov, beat Catherine.
1776. Zavadovsky 9
Catherine's love for Potemkin cooled, although she swore eternal affection to him. Zavadovsky already possessed it. Potemkin was ordered to travel, he returned - and became a friend of the Empress, retaining all his weight. I liked Zavadovsky - Potemkin was useful.
1777. Zorich (Serbian) 10
Potemkin noticed that Zavadovsky decided to harm him, decided to give him an impetus, promoting Zorich from lieutenant to captain, and placed him in the place where the Empress was supposed to pass. She noticed him, and the next day Zavadovsky was fired, Zorich took his place.
1779. Rimsky-Korsakov 11
A year later, Zorich, promoted to major general, received orders to travel; his place was taken by Rimsky-Korsakov. Potemkin, who hated Field Marshal Rumyantsev, took revenge on his sister Countess Bruce 12 , one of Catherine's closest confidantes. Potemkin realized that Bruce had fallen in love with Rimsky-Korsakov, and provided her with the means to have secret meetings with him. Although Potemkin loved Rimsky-Korsakov, he decided to sacrifice him to hasten the fall of Countess Bruce. Catherine soon found out everything. Rimsky-Korsakov received orders to travel, and Bruce went to Moscow.
1780. Lanskoy 13
On the same day, the Empress chose the cavalry guard Lansky, a most beautiful and captivating man, as her lover; she loved him more than anyone. Lanskoy, who respected Potemkin, who loved him himself, became more amiable to Catherine from day to day. Education of this young man was neglected; Catherine took the trouble to educate him: she adorned his mind with the most useful knowledge and marveled at her creation. Lanskoy fell ill and died in Catherine’s arms. Her bitterness was so great that she did not eat anything for three days and did not leave the Tsarskoye Selo Palace for three months. When Lanskoy died, she went to bed and wanted to die just like her lover. Catherine ordered the erection of a most beautiful mausoleum on Lansky’s grave. Two years later, walking with the courtiers and accidentally approaching the monument, she burst into tears.
1784. Ermolov 14
The idle vacancy after Lansky was filled at Potemkin’s choice by Ermolov, a guard sergeant. Ermolov’s intrigues against his benefactor were due to the fact that he was sent to travel on Potemkin’s complaint.
1788. Mamonov 15
Yermolov’s place was taken by Mamonov, who was also elected by Potemkin. Catherine loved him very much; but he was not attached to her. Soon he started an intrigue with the maid of honor, Princess Shcherbatova. Catherine found out; Mamonov confessed, was married to Shcherbatova and released to Moscow. His wife spread to her friends some details of her husband’s secret meetings with the Empress; Her immodesty was severely punished. One day, as soon as Mamonov went to bed with his wife, the Chief of Police came in to them and, showing the Highest command, went out into another room, leaving six hefty men dressed in women's clothes, who, having stripped their young wife naked, flogged him in the presence of her husband, forced to kneel. At the end of this process, the Chief of Police entered and said: “This is how the Empress punishes the first immodesty; and for the second they are exiled to Siberia.”
1791. Platon Zubov 16
On the very day of Mamonov’s wedding, Horse Guards officer Zubov was appointed as his favorite. Potemkin did not like this choice, but he was unable to convince Catherine to leave Zubov.
1791. Death of Potemkin
Sated with all the pleasures, not satisfied with either himself or the Empress, tormented by Zubov, Potemkin died of a fever, several miles from Iasi, under a tree, on a cloak, in the arms of his beloved niece Countess Branitskaya on October 15, 1791, 52 years old. . For the construction of a monument over his coffin, Catherine assigned 100 tons<ысяч>rubles Potemkin died of intemperance; being sick, he did not listen to doctors, ate and drank immoderately.
In 1794, the St. Petersburg Court was divided into two parties. The first one was run by old Osterman 17 , Vorontsov and Bezborodko 18 ; they were in charge of the second; Zubov, Markov and<Николай>Ivanovich Saltykov 19 .
Platon Zubov, Catherine’s lover, already his Serene Highness Prince and General-Major, used the power that Orlov, Lanskoy and Potemkin had.
Positions and differences of Catherine's lovers
As soon as the Empress chose a new lover, he was immediately elevated to the rank of chamberlain or aide-de-camp, so that without any prejudice he could be with her everywhere. From that time on, he moved to the palace to live on the first floor in separate rooms, above which were the Empress’s bedroom and office with a small secret staircase connecting upstairs to downstairs.
On the first day, he received 100 tons for housewarming<ысяч>rubles, and on the 1st of every month 12t were placed on his table on the restroom<ысяч>rubles He was given a table daily for 24 people and was provided with all household needs. The favorite must accompany the Empress everywhere. He could not leave the palace without a report; he was forbidden to talk to women; and if he was invited to dinner by someone married, the hostess had to leave the house.
When the Empress intended to elevate someone to the level of her lover, then she ordered her confidante Marya Savichna Perekusikhina 20 invite him to dinner, where the Empress came as if by accident. There she talked with the guest and tried to find out: worthy<ли>he was of the high preference that was intended for him. When he attracted the attention of the Empress, then she let Marya Savichna know with her eyes, who, after Her departure, informed the one who liked her about this. Early the next day the court doctor came to see him and testified about his state of health. That same evening, with the new title of chamberlain or aide-de-camp, he accompanied the Empress to the Hermitage and went to the rooms prepared for him. This order started with Potemkin and continued unchanged.
When a lover went out of fashion, he was then ordered to travel with all expenses covered and with the firm confidence of finding in the place where he would settle down a reward worthy of the proud Catherine.
<...>but she was a mother 21 . Field Marshal Count Alexey Grigorievich Razumovsky 22 , taking advantage of Her many weaknesses and piety, persuaded Her to marry him secretly. Two brothers Count Tarakanov and their sister were the fruit of this secretive marriage 23 . Meanwhile, Razumovsky was not the only one who was Elizabeth’s lover; she liked frequent breaks. But the cunning favorite substituted for her those who could not shake his strength.
The voluptuous Elizabeth became addicted to feasts and wine. Dinners, balls, masquerades and all sorts of childish amusements distracted Her from her most important activities.
With the exception of Razumovsky, no one dominated Elizabeth's mind as much as the great chancellor Count Alec<сей>Peter<ович>Bestuzhev-Ryumin; the most daring and crafty man in the state. He controlled the Empress, Her lover and ministers; and alone decided the external and internal affairs of the entire Empire.
Count Yves<ан>Yves<анови>h Shuvalov was also among Elizabeth’s favorites; but he sought only wealth; and the ingenuity provided cousin to his Peter Iv<анович>at Shuvalov's.
Elizabeth, intending to deprive the offspring of Anna Ioannovna of hope for the Russian throne, appointed Karl-Peter Ulrich (her nephew), the son of the Duke of Holstein-Gottorp and Anna, the daughter of Peter I, as his heir, and, calling this prince to P.<етер>burg<в> 1742 <г.>, forced him to renounce Lutheranism and recognize the Greek law with the name of Peter Fedorovich. In 1744, it was proposed to marry him to Sophie Augusta, Princess of Anhalt-Zerb, born on April 25, 1729. She was about a year younger than her groom, and in the Greek faith she was named Ekaterina Alekseevna.
Peter fell in love with Catherine, gifted with all the pleasures of youth in St.<анкт>-P<етер>burg, where she was brought by her mother, Princess Anhalt-Zerb, with the intention of uniting Her with the heir to the throne. At that time, Peter himself still had a very good face and a beautiful figure; affection for him soon became mutual; but when the day of their marriage had already been set, Peter suddenly fell ill with a fever, which was accompanied by the most dangerous smallpox. Having recovered, he remained disfigured and almost disgusting. On their first date, Catherine, having overcome herself, kissed Him with all the signs of joy; but, returning to her room, she fell into bed sobbing and lay unconscious for three whole hours. However, Her ambitious views had a greater effect on the union with Peter than the will of the Empress and Her mother. The marriage was consummated, but more than one change in Peter’s features cooled his young wife towards him; he still had imperfections, from which, however, the last rabbi in P<етербурге>or the worst doctor would have freed Him. Out of shyness, he did not dare to tell anyone about it. All the strains of His love, all the repeated efforts, nothing could facilitate the consummation of the marriage matter.
Catherine added to her beauty and intelligence her extensive knowledge and ease of speaking eloquently in many languages. Peter also had intelligence, but was poorly educated, he had a kind heart, but lacked courtesy. He blushed from the superiority of his wife - the wife from the fact that she found Himself unworthy - hatred was reborn between them.
Out of a strange prejudice, Elizabeth was afraid that Peter would not be too knowledgeable in the sciences. — She alienated the smart and learned Brimner from him 24 , and in his place she appointed Choglokova, a limited person.
Even at Peter’s very arrival, the courtiers looked at him with envious eyes. Among those who most tried to harm him was Chancellor Bestuzhev-Ryumin (Bestuzhev knew that Peter was angry with him for the joke he played with his father regarding the hereditary estates in Holstinia). This one outlined in his mind a plan to tear Him away from the throne. He wanted, at least, to remove Peter from military action, and put Catherine in charge civil cases. A conspiracy has been formed; courtiers and women made up this. Bestuzhev distributed his instructions to everyone on tickets, folded and placed in the other bottom of the snuff box, from which he served tobacco. Main Responsibility theirs was: to denigrate Peter as much as possible in the eyes of the Empress. Weak Elizabeth listened with pleasure to all the treacherous suggestions. Timid and suspicious, she soon developed a disgust for Peter.
Among Bestuzhev’s like-minded people was Count Kirill Grigorievich Razumovsky, a man, although of low and rude origin and without any education, but cunning and insightful. He easily crept into the favor of Peter, who called him brother and friend and demanded that Razumovsky call him the same. He betrayed Him shamelessly and vilely. Razumovsky's anger at Peter was aggravated by the latter's ridicule, who recalled to him his origin and occupation. Peter had another favorite who never betrayed Him: it was his adjutant general Andrei Vasilyevich Gudovich, whom Peter flattered to become hetman in Little Russia and spoke about this even in the presence of Razumovsky. Even long before Peter got used to drunkenness, they wanted to assure Elizabeth that the Grand Duke was giving himself up to it. Idle life, boredom and the instructions of those around him were the cause of this vice.
When the Empress believed the slander, she not only withheld her usual gift, but on his birthday 50 thousand<ысяч>rubles, but reduced His table consumption to such an extent that he and his guests often left the table hungry. Then Peter began to murmur; His complaints were increasingly conveyed to the Empress. In the spring Peter left P<етер>burg, where in his lifestyle he was more like a state criminal than an Heir to the Throne, and lived in Oranienbaum, which was given to him, which previously belonged to the famous Menshikov 25 ; there he amused himself by dressing his soldiers in German uniforms and teaching them Prussian exercise.
An admirer of Frederick the King of Prussia, he loved to change Russian into Prussian. On the advice of those around him, he got used to smoking tobacco, drinking wine and playing cards in the Prussian way.
Catherine behaved at that time in everything different from Peter; she attracted the most powerful persons at court and enjoyed the respect of the Empress.
Among the young people surrounding Peter, who, like him, indulged in excessive drinking of wine, games and military fun, was Saltykov 26 , chamberlain of the Grand Duke, distinguished by his taste in the fine sciences, beauty of his face and noble bearing; he was temperate and knew French literature quite well. Having barely emerged from his youth, he managed to acquire the favor of many court beauties.
This Saltykov was Catherine’s first lover. It cost him a lot of work and fear to express himself to her, but he overcame everything. At one of the holidays given by Elizabeth in P<етер>Burg, he reached the very pinnacle of happiness: Catherine pretended to be sick. Peter was so blinded by his chamberlain that he asked him to share the solitude of his wife. This was exactly what both lovers wanted, and they took advantage of it... But as soon as the Grand Duchess lost everything most precious, fear took possession of Her. She conveyed her sad premonition to Saltykov. The chamberlain, calming Her down, advised her to try as hard as possible to spend the night with her husband and took it upon himself to speed up the success of this enterprise.
Saltykov found an opportunity to tell Elizabeth about the obstacle separating Peter from his wife, and received Her approval for his extermination. The next day, Saltykov invited the Grand Duke to obey the Institution of the Jewish Legislator, but nothing could incline the prince to agree to this; however, Saltykov did not despair. At one time, when Peter, having gotten quite drunk at dinner, was begging his family to agree to Saltykov’s proposal, the famous Burgaw was brought in 27 with a skilled doctor, and the operation was completed quickly and happily. Elisaveta gave Saltykov a rich diamond ring.
Saltykov's relationship with Catherine was ended by the courtiers. The Empress found out about her, ordered Saltykov to be exiled to Siberia and, moreover, ordered: when Peter is able to enjoy the rights of a spouse, then Catherine should present Her, according to Russian custom, with evidence of her purity, which she was supposed to preserve until that time.
Peter, convinced by Saltykov of his innocence, acquitted him before Elizabeth. Catherine also spoke with Elizabeth, saying among other things: how deceptive and inconclusive can be the testimony that is required of her chastity.
When the pain was over, Catherine’s husband dared to enjoy his rights, he spent the night with her, defending himself as the happiest person in the world, and the next day, at Saltykov’s insistence, he sent to Elizabeth a sealed box with evidence of his wife’s imaginary innocence.
Happy Saltykov, continuing to enjoy Catherine’s love, was finally separated from her by the cunning and machinations of Chancellor Bestuzhev: he was sent as an envoy extraordinary to the Swedish court with notification of the birth of Pavel Petrovich; then he was ordered to go to Hamburg and stay there as minister plenipotentiary.
Saltykov’s place in Catherine’s heart was later taken by Count Poniatovsky 28 , who was later the King of Poland, who came to Russia with the English envoy Williams and was his secretary. Soon this connection was recognized by Elizabeth, and Poniatovsky received orders to leave Russia; but then returned to P<етер>to the Burg Court, as an extraordinary envoy from the King of Poland and the Republic, and spent time with Catherine all day and night, having first entered into the mercy of Peter. This return followed at the request of Catherine from Bestuzhev, who wrote about this to the Polish minister Count Braly. All the courtiers called the young Pole out loud the father of the child with whom Catherine was then pregnant. This child was Grand Duchess Anna, who died immediately after birth<в>1758
Elizabeth inconspicuously jumped from moderate pleasures to gluttony. She alternated between hypocrisy and debauchery and back again. She often drank to the point of losing her mind, and at that time she was extremely voluptuous and irritable, and did not tolerate being undressed for a long time. Having cut the lacing and dress with scissors, the women carried Her to the bed, where she sometimes returned her feelings in the arms of the new Athlete.
Peter, who for a long time did not know about Catherine’s connection with Poniatovsky, was amazed when Bestuzhev’s enemies revealed it to him. He wept bitterly and asked the Empress to take revenge for the insult inflicted on him, adding that Bestuzhev not only helped Catherine in her debauchery, but also did something contrary to the will of Elizabeth, returning, during Her illness, the troops sent to help Austria against Prussia. Bestuzhev was exiled to Siberia. Count Vorontsov was made chancellor in his place. 29 . Catherine fell out of favor with the Empress, but, in spite of everything, she continued her meetings with Poniatowski.
Shortly before this, Peter became addicted to one of the daughters of Senator Vorontsov, the chancellor's brother, Elisaveta Romanovna, who had neither beauty, nor pleasantness, nor intelligence.
Vorontsov, vile and ambitious, himself provided his daughter to the Grand Duke.
The reconciliation of the Empress with Catherine followed when Catherine searched in vain for him and decided to ask permission to return to Germany. In an important negotiation between them, Catherine promised not to see Poniatowski again.
They think that Elizabeth, hating Peter because of the slander of His enemies, intended to hand over the scepter to Paul, whom she praised before the guards soldiers in the theater, showing Him to them. But death soon struck Her down. Before her death, she drank the cup of death: a box of drinks stood in Her bedroom.
At this time, two parties emerged: the first was formed from the remaining adherents of Bestuzhev under the command of Ivan Iv<анови>Cha Shuvalov; she supported the side Grand Duchess. The second, defending the rights of the Grand Duke, was led by Senator Vorontsov. At the strong instigation of this party, Peter strongly suggested that when the Empress died, gather an army, proclaim himself Emperor, drive the Grand Duchess abroad, declare Paul illegitimate and solemnly marry Vorontsova.
Graph<Н. И.>Panin (descended from an obscure surname) was a chamber cadet. Catherine noticed him and considered him capable of her secret pleasures, but Her hope deceived her. Panin, apart from his figure, had nothing significant. This Panin, appointed as Pavel Petrovich’s uncle, joined Catherine’s party. He decided to unite both parties to install the Grand Duke on the throne, but so that he would be proclaimed not by the army, but by the Senate, which at the same time would limit His power and confirm the rank of Grand Duchess and Her son.
During the illness of the Empress, Panin told Peter the following: “The prosperity of your reign and the Glory that you bring upon yourself depends on the first step upon your accession to the throne, Sovereign. There are two ways to endow you with supreme power: the first is to proclaim yourself Emperor from the army, the second is to accept the crown from the hands of the Senate. The first is faster, the second is stronger. The whole of Europe and most of Asia are looking at you with intent eyes. Think, Sovereign, about the Glory that you will acquire when countless peoples subordinate to your scepter, and the very peoples who are alien to see in all its splendor, your generosity and determination to establish yourself on the throne not through the bribery of soldiers to whom your predecessors are indebted, but through free election representatives of the state, etc.”
Peter hesitated and was ready to agree, but Gudovich, who came out to him, advised him to rely on the decision of old Prince Trubetskoy 30 , who told Peter: that the remedy offered to him is more dangerous than the one with which they are frightening Him, and is contrary to the customs of the Empire; that the Senate never had any influence in the election of Kings; that if His throne should be shaken, would the Senate have power to strengthen it? and so on.
Trubetskoy's advice received the approval of Catherine, from whom Peter asked her opinion and who, meanwhile, was busy composing a proclamatory Act recognizing Her husband as Emperor and a model oath for the army.
Elizabeth died on January 5, 1762. She reigned weakly for 20 years and was more worthy of vegetating in monastic life than sitting on the throne.
Upon his accession to the throne, Peter III showed himself meek, fair, and enlightened. He did not take revenge on anyone and turned to his wife with affection and confidence. He returned from Siberia up to 17 civilian prisoners exiled by Elizabeth - among them were: Biron 31 , Minich 32 and Lestock 33 . He issued two manifestos, on the freedom of nobles to choose their type of service and travel abroad and on the destruction of the Secret Chancellery. All actions, full of modesty and greatness, in the first days of His reign were the result of the leadership and instructions of Gudovich. Peter listened to his reproaches with shame and amazement. He asked Gudovich: what can He do to satisfy the Empire for the days lost in revelry? Gudovich presented Him with the above two manifestos, corrected by Chancellor Vorontsov, which were approved. Disagreements between Peter and Catherine arose again. His bad lifestyle, commitment to the Germans, blind respect for Frederick, who, at His request, granted Him major general of his troops, neglect of the Russians, turned the hearts of the People away from Him. Although he did not hide his intention to divorce Catherine, recognize Paul as illegitimate and marry Vorontsova, who forced Him to do so with abuse and hand; but, confident of his infertility, he decided to adopt Prince John 34 , overthrown by Elizabeth, and visited him in the Shlisselburg fortress, where he ordered the construction of a new building, intending it for Catherine.
Catherine, it seemed, retained all her affection for Poniatovsky, and after his departure, they did not see anyone possessing Her; but she had short-term connections, brought to Her by Katerina Ivanovna Vrebbe so that those who were introduced to Her did not know with whom they were dealing. Thus, Grigory Orlov did not know his happiness for some time. But the Empress, making sure of his courage and modesty, revealed to him her power-hungry views. Orlov formed a conspiracy with her, adding his brothers, Bibikov 35 , Passeka 36 and several other officers.
The third party, in addition to the two mentioned above, was formed under the command of the 19-year-old Princess Dashkova, the sister of Elisaveta Vorontsova, the Emperor’s mistress. Its active member was the Piedmontese Odart 37 . The goal of all parties was to overthrow the Emperor. But others wanted to elevate Paul to the throne, others Catherine. Count Panin, stubborn and dangerous, belonged to the first; to others Princess Dashkova, Orlov and others. In order to win Panin over to her side, Dashkova sacrificed her affections to him, having previously denied him them, and succeeded in her desire.
The united conspirators thought of nothing more than the speedy execution of their plan. The Orlovs, Bibikovs and Passeks managed to seduce three companies of the Izmailovsky regiment, but they were not enough; the guards needed money to bribe other soldiers. Catherine did not have them. The French envoy Bretel refused her a loan of 60 tons<ысяч>rubles Meanwhile, Catherine was afraid that a conspiracy would be discovered and that She would be imprisoned forever; In addition, she was tormented by the fits of pregnancy and the proximity of resolution. No matter how hard she tried to hide her situation, Peter, confident about the time when permission should follow, wanted to catch Her. He went in to her and was deceived: Catherine was already sitting in the chairs on which two hours before she had given birth to her son (Count Alexei Grigorievich Bobrinsky).
The Emperor ordered Prince John to be brought very secretly from Kexholm to St.<анкт>-P<етер>burg, where he visited him at night with Gudovich and Volkov 38 . He appointed the celebration of the feast of Peter and Paul in Peterhof; and the next day, along with his departure to the army moved to conquer Holstinia, to arrest the Empress. But fate wanted otherwise. An accident revealed the conspiracy, and Passek was arrested. They got down to business that same night. Grigory Orlov with his brother Vladimir and Bibikov galloped to the barracks to prepare their soldiers for action. Alexey Orlov was sent to Peterhof to fetch the Empress. The Emperor was at this time in Oranienbaum. Alexey Orlov entered the Empress’s bedroom through the door to which Grigory Orlov gave him the key; he woke her up. Catherine, calling Mrs. Wrebbe, hurried to get dressed, and both set off in a carriage that was waiting for them two miles from Peterhof, prepared by Dashkova. Orlov sat down on the box, but soon the horses stopped; it was still a long way to Petersburg; decided to walk; They came across a peasant cart. Orlov put Catherine in it and galloped off.
The Empress entered the capital at 7 a.m. on June 28, 1762. She was immediately escorted to the Izmailovsky regiment. Seeing the small number of soldiers running out to meet her, she became frightened and, gasping for breath, told the soldiers that the Emperor intended to<ся>kill her and her son. Hetman Razumovsky, the regiment commander, appeared there, and the entire regiment swore allegiance to Catherine; which was followed by Semenovsky and Preobrazhensky, except for two officers Chalkov and Pushkin 39 . Catherine ordered them to be arrested, saying that She did not need them. From the regiment, Catherine, at the suggestion of Razumovsky, went to the Kazan Cathedral, where everything was ready for Her reception. Archbishop Novgor<од>the city with the cathedral met Her; He handed Her the scepter and the orb and proclaimed her Autocrat, and Her heir, Paul. From here they moved to the palace, where they received all the residents of the capital.
Before it got dark, Catherine already had 15 tons<ысяч>a man of the elite army. The city was safe on all sides. Around noon, Catherine, having ascertained the loyalty of St. Petersburg, ordered the dissolution of the manifesto, prepared and printed by Odart in a few days, about her accession to the throne; Meanwhile, she, dressed in the Preobrazhensky uniform, taken from a young officer<А. Ф.>Talyzina, rode on horseback along all the ranks next to Dashkova, also in a guards uniform. The troops were constantly served beer and wine. It was decided: the army should march against the Emperor; Catherine, accompanied by Dashkova and Razumovsky, led them on horseback with a naked sword in her hand. 7 versts from the capital in Krasnoye Selo she rested for several hours. At 5 o'clock in the morning on the 29th, Catherine made another transition and stopped in the Sergius Desert.
The Emperor, having learned about Catherine's escape and the riot on June 28, came from Oranienbaum to Peterhof with many ladies and courtiers. Bressan informed Him about the latter 40 , a retired hairdresser, through his servant in disguise. Timidity took possession of Him. He didn't know what to do. Chancellor Vorontsov took permission from him to go to the Empress to admonish Her. At first he spoke to Her with firmness, but after that he also swore allegiance to Her. Minich advised the Emperor to oppose the rebels with his Holstinians (600 people), but Peter rejected; then Minich advised Him to take refuge in Kronstadt as a fortified place, from where He could act on St. Petersburg. The proposal was accepted: they boarded the yachts, but, approaching Kronstadt, they were not allowed into it, by order of Admiral Talyzin, a supporter of Catherine. They answered the Emperor that they did not have an Emperor, and shouted: long live Catherine II. Frightened Peter ordered to set sail. Minich also advised Him to go to Revel, reach Pomerania, where the Russian troops were, and return with them to Russia; but the timidity of the ladies and courtiers overcame the danger: Peter ordered to return to Oranienbaum, where he learned about the approach of Catherine with 20 tons<ысячами>troops, ordered the destruction of the small fortress as proof that he did not want to defend himself. He wanted to flee, in disguise, beyond the borders of Poland, but did not dare and ended up sending two letters to Catherine, of which in the first, confessing his misdeeds, he offered to share supreme power with her; and in the second, in the most humiliating way, he asked for forgiveness, gave up the throne to Her and asked to grant Him a pension and to let Him go to Holstinia. He himself went to see her in Peterhof, convinced that he had given himself over to Ekaterina Izmailov’s side. 41 , chamberlain, taking with him Vorontsova and Gudovich. Upon arrival, they and Vorontsova tore off the sign of the maid of honor, and Gudovich was arrested; The Emperor himself was taken to top floor and stripped him down to his shirt. In this position He sat barefoot for some time, subject to the ridicule of the soldiers; then they put a bad robe on him and locked him in custody. Here Count Panin, sent by Catherine, promising Him soon freedom and departure to Holstinia, proposed an Act of Abdication, which was rewritten and signed by the Emperor. From here they transported Him under guard to Monsou, the dacha of Hetman Razumovsky.
Catherine spent the night in Peterhof, where she received congratulations; the next day she solemnly rode into St. Petersburg on horseback. Panin was named first minister; The Orlovs were given the dignity of counts; of these, Gregory was awarded a lieutenant general and Alexander Nevsky a knight; Estates were distributed to the 24 officers; many have been promoted; finances did not allow distributing anything to the soldiers except wine and beer.
After a little while, some regiments began to grumble and repent of their betrayal of the Tsar. The sailors contemptuously reproached the guards for selling the Tsar for a glass of wine and a glass of beer. In Moscow, the five regiments quartered and the residents of the capital, gathered on Red Square, after reading the manifesto by the commander-in-chief, responded to his proclamation: “Long live Catherine II” with silence and dispersed.
In order to decide to exterminate any cause for alarm, the attackers determined the death of Peter III. Alexey Orlov with guard officer Teplov 42 They came to Peter and, having announced His imminent release, went to have breakfast. Vodka and appetizers were served; when Teplov tried to keep the Emperor busy, Orlov poured glasses and poured poison into one of them for the Emperor, composed by one of the court doctors. Without suspicion, the Emperor drank vodka. Less than 10 minutes passed when He felt pain. Convicting Orlov of his crime, He demanded milk with a terrible cry, but the monsters Teplov and Orlov managed to pour poison into the milk. The valet came running. The emperor, throwing himself on his neck, cried out: “Not only did they take away my throne, they also want to take away my life.” The villains pushed out the valet and rushed at the Emperor.
At that moment Prince Fyodor Baryatinsky entered 43 , in charge of the guard. Orlov had already knocked the Emperor to the floor, crushing his chest with his knees, squeezing his throat with one hand, and squeezing his skull with the other. Baryatinsky and Teplov, wrapping a napkin around His neck, pulled at both ends. Peter, gathering his last strength, scratched Baryatinsky’s face; but soon he became exhausted; the villains put an end to His life.
Alexei Orlov galloped off to report to Catherine that Peter no longer existed. She locked herself in the office with Orlov, Panin, Razumovsky and Glebov 44 for consultations: is it necessary to immediately announce the death of the Emperor? Due: postpone until tomorrow. Catherine spent the rest of the day having fun. In the morning, pretending not to know about Peter’s death, she ordered to report to herself about it during lunch. They barely had time to tell her when, with a lady's sob, she ran into the office and for several days showed the deepest sadness. The manifesto, published at this time, says that the Emperor died of hemorrhoidal seizures (July 5).
The body of the murdered man was brought to the Nevsky Monastery for burial. Those who kissed the deceased on the face returned home with swollen lips, so strong was the poison! The mob that accompanied the Emperor's body showered the guard soldiers with curses for shedding the last drop of Peter the Great's blood. The Holstin soldiers who were present at the funeral were sent the next day to their fatherland on a frigate, which, having sailed several miles from Kronstadt, sank, and those soldiers who could have escaped were not given help.
Bestuzhev-Ryumin returned from Siberia. Biron received back the Duchy of Courland. Minich was made governor-general of Estland and Livonia. Minikh was deliberately removed from the palace as a man unwavering and proud of his merits.
The King of Prussia, who understood Catherine better than other Sovereigns, wrote to Count Folkenstein: “The Russian Emperor was dethroned by his wife, which was to be expected. This empress has a great mind and the same inclinations towards love as her late aunt Eya. She has no religion, but pretends to be pious. This is the second volume of Zeno the Greek Emperor, His wife Adriana 45 and Maria Medicis 46 ».
The wine and money distributed to the commander-in-chief in Moscow changed the spirit and way of thinking among the troops. Catherine was in a hurry to be crowned in Moscow. With a large retinue, She entered the ancient capital in splendor and splendor. Despite the money distributed in advance, the Empress was received without zeal or enthusiasm. She concluded that the people did not like Her presence. As She approached, the people separated and always rushed before the Grand Duke. She was crowned in the presence of troops and courtiers. Dissatisfied with Moscow, Catherine, hiding her indignation, hurried to return to St.<анкт>-Petersburg.
In order to weaken the monks, who were so useful to Her, Catherine ordered the Synod to make an exchange according to the decree of Peter III 47 . Instead of returning to them, as promised, the estates taken from them, the main ranks of the clergy were slowly given money. These hierarchs sold the rest of the brethren. Chentsy 48 woke up. They fanned a rebellion among the people, sowed sparks in the soldiers, and reminded them of the ill-fated John, who was returned to the Shlisselburg fortress by Catherine immediately after Eyan’s accession to the throne. They scattered the lists from the manifesto, which they managed to open, but which Catherine’s followers could not get their hands on. This manifesto was composed by State Councilor Volkov and signed by the Emperor. In him He solemnly revealed all the vices of Catherine and, accusing Her of adultery, announced that he did not recognize Paul as his son, because he was born of Saltykov. Everything foreshadowed indignation; out of prejudice, this Empress forbade the guards soldiers to gather on the streets; whoever was bolder was put in prison and punished with a whip.
Ivan Ivanovich Shuvalov is removed from the courtyard. General Vilboa 49 dismissed from service. Princess Dashkova, upset by the refusal of her request to give her the title of colonel of the Preobrazhensky regiment and grumbling about Catherine’s ingratitude, was sent to Moscow.
In general, all those who knew Catherine briefly accused Her of ingratitude and selfishness. State Councilor Brodorf, who was Peter III’s secret secretary, said about her: “The Empress thinks that everyone should consider it a blessing to serve Her and is quite rewarded with the honor of being with her; when she is in the mood to make something useful for herself, she does exactly the same thing as with a lemon: she squeezes out all the juice and throws the peel out the window.”
A general unrest appeared in the barracks and increased to such an extent that the Empress was for several days very close to suffering a fate equal to her husband. She didn't lose her courage. Secretly one hundred<ра>tried to put out this fire. The Orlovs and their comrades reassured the soldiers with promises and money. 24 officers were arrested and put on trial. Of these, 4 main ones, 3 brothers Guryev of the Izmailovsky regiment and Khrushchev of the Ingermanland regiment, were exiled to hard labor, and the rest to Siberia.
Always combining cunning with firmness, Catherine managed to seduce the high priests who were most dangerous to her and interrupt the monks’ malice. She returned to the Court Dashkova, who, due to her connections in Moscow and respect, could disturb the calm of the Empire; drove Odart away and bought the Trumpet of Glory with money. The thunder of Her praise, which spread throughout Europe, reverberated in P<тер>burg.
Catherine often said: “You need to be firm in your assumptions. It is better to do something bad than to change your intentions. Some fools are indecisive." She always followed this rule.
It is known that Elisaveta Petrovna had three children from a secret marriage with Count Alexei Grigorievich Razumovsky. The youngest of them was a daughter, raised under the name of Princess Tarakanova. Prince Radzivil 50 , harboring anger towards Catherine for the destruction of Polish rights, planned to pit this princess against Her. He bribed the princess's teachers and took her to Rome in 1767. She ordered the entire estate of Radzivil to be taken away and brought him to the point where, in return for the return of the estate, he refused to participate in the fate of Tarakanova and left her in Rome in a bad situation under the supervision of only one woman.
Alexey Orlov, by the will of Catherine, came to Rome, with the help of the Neapolitan Ribas 51 (who later was a Russian vice-admiral) seduced an innocent princess; assured her of erection on Russian throne; married her, dressing the three lower ranks in clothes: priest, sexton and sexton; in a cunning way he moved with her to Pisa, to Livorna, and finally, when they visited a Russian ship that arrived from Russia under the command of Rear Admiral Greich 52 , bound her in chains, brought her to St. Petersburg, where this unfortunate victim of politics 6 years later, in 1777, in the former P.<етер>Burg flood drowned in her prison in the Peter and Paul Fortress.
The list of Catherine II's men includes men who figured in the intimate life of Empress Catherine the Great (1729-1796), including her spouses, official favorites and lovers. Catherine II has up to 21 lovers, but how can we object to the empress, then of course they had their own methods.
1. Catherine’s husband was Peter Fedorovich (Emperor Peter III) (1728-1762). They had a wedding in 1745, August 21 (September 1). The end of the relationship was June 28 (July 9), 1762 - death of Peter III. His children, according to the Romanov tree, Pavel Petrovich (1754) (according to one version, his father is Sergei Saltykov) and officially - Grand Duchess Anna Petrovna (1757-1759, most likely the daughter of Stanislav Poniatovsky). He suffered from a form of impotence, and in the first years he did not have marital relations with her. Then this problem was solved with the help of a surgical operation, and in order to perform it, Peter got Saltykov drunk.
2. While she was engaged, she also had an affair, Saltykov, Sergei Vasilyevich (1726-1765). In 1752 he was at the small court of the Grand Dukes Catherine and Peter. The beginning of the novel in 1752. The end of the relationship was the birth of a child, Pavel, in October 1754. After which Saltykov was expelled from St. Petersburg and sent as envoy to Sweden.
3. Catherine's lover was Stanisław August Poniatowski (1732-1798) who fell in love in 1756. And in 1758, after the fall of Chancellor Bestuzhev, Williams and Poniatowski were forced to leave St. Petersburg. After the affair, her daughter Anna Petrovna (1757-1759) was born, and he himself thought so Grand Duke Pyotr Fedorovich, who, judging by “Notes of Catherine,” said: “God knows where my wife gets pregnant; I don’t know for sure whether this child is mine and whether I should recognize him as mine.” In the future, Catherine will make him King of Poland, and then annex Poland and annex it to Russia.
4. Likewise, Catherine 2 was not upset and continued to fall in love. Her next secret lover was Orlov, Grigory Grigorievich (1734-1783). The beginning of the novel In the spring of 1759, Count Schwerin, the aide-de-camp of Frederick II, who was captured in the Battle of Zorndorf, arrived in St. Petersburg, to whom Orlov was assigned as a guard. Orlov gained fame by wresting his mistress from Pyotr Shuvalov. The end of the relationship in 1772, after the death of her husband, even she wanted to marry him and then she was dissuaded. Orlov had many mistresses. They also had a son, Bobrinsky, Alexey Grigorievich was born on April 22, 1762, a few months after the death of Elizaveta Petrovna. They report that on the day she went into labor, her faithful servant Shkurin set fire to his house, and Peter rushed off to watch the fire . Orlov and his passionate brothers contributed to the overthrow of Peter and the accession of Catherine to the throne. Having lost favor, he married his cousin Ekaterina Zinovieva, and after her death he went crazy.
5. Vasilchikov, Alexander Semyonovich (1746-1803/1813) Official favorite. Acquaintance in 1772, September. He often stood guard in Tsarskoye Selo and received a golden snuffbox. Took Orlov's room. 1774, March 20, in connection with the rise of Potemkin, he was sent to Moscow. Catherine considered him boring (14 years difference). After retirement, he settled in Moscow with his brother and did not marry.
6. Potemkin, Grigory Alexandrovich (1739-1791) Official favorite, husband since 1775. In April 1776 he went on vacation. Catherine gave birth to Potemkin's daughter, Elizaveta Grigorievna Tyomkina. Despite the gap in her personal life, thanks to her abilities, she maintained Catherine's friendship and respect and for many years remained the second person in the state. He was not married, his personal life consisted of “enlightening” his young nieces, including Ekaterina Engelgart.
7. Zavadovsky, Pyotr Vasilievich (1739-1812) official favorite.
The beginning of the relationship in 1776. November, presented to the empress as an author, interested Catherine. In 1777, June did not suit Potemkin and was removed. Also in May 1777, Catherine met Zorich. He was jealous of Catherine 2, which did the damage. 1777 recalled by the empress back to the capital, 1780 engaged in administrative affairs, married Vera Nikolaevna Apraksina.
8. Zorich, Semyon Gavrilovich (1743/1745-1799). In 1777, June became Catherine's personal guard. 1778 June caused inconvenience, expelled from St. Petersburg (14 years younger than the Empress) Was dismissed and sent into retirement with little remuneration. Founded the Shklov School. Enmeshed in debt and suspected of counterfeiting.
9. Rimsky-Korsakov, Ivan Nikolaevich (1754-1831) Official favorite. 1778, June. Noticed by Potemkin, who was looking to replace Zorich, and distinguished by him due to his beauty, as well as ignorance and lack of serious abilities that could make him a political rival. Potemkin introduced him to the empress among three officers. On June 1, he was appointed aide-de-camp to the Empress. 1779, October 10. Removed from the court after the Empress found him in the arms of Countess Praskovya Bruce, sister of Field Marshal Rumyantsev. This intrigue of Potemkin had as its goal the removal not of Korsakov, but of Bruce herself. 25 years younger than the empress; Catherine was attracted by his announced “innocence.” He was very handsome and had an excellent voice (for his sake, Catherine invited world-famous musicians to Russia). After the loss of favor, he first stayed in St. Petersburg and talked in living rooms about his connection with the empress, which hurt her pride. In addition, he left Bruce and began an affair with Countess Ekaterina Stroganova (he was 10 years younger than her). This turned out to be too much, and Catherine sent him to Moscow. Stroganova’s husband eventually gave her a divorce. Korsakov lived with her until the end of her life, they had a son and two daughters.
10 Stakhiev (Strakhov) Beginning of relations 1778; 1779, June. End of relationship 1779, October. According to the description of contemporaries, “a jester of the lowest order.” Strakhov was a protégé of Count N.I. Panin Strakhov may be Ivan Varfolomeevich Strakhov (1750-1793), in which case he was not the empress’s lover, but a man whom Panin considered insane, and who, when Catherine once told him that he could ask her for some favor, threw himself on his knees and asked for her hand, after which she began to avoid him.
11 Stoyanov (Stanov) Beginning of relations 1778. The end of relations 1778. Potemkin’s protégé.
12 Rantsov (Rontsov), Ivan Romanovich (1755-1791) Beginning of the relationship 1779. Mentioned among those who participated in the “competition”; it is not entirely clear whether he managed to visit the empress’s alcove. End of relationship 1780. One of the illegitimate sons of Count R.I. Vorontsov, half-brother of Dashkova. A year later he led a London mob in riots organized by Lord George Gordon.
13 Levashov, Vasily Ivanovich (1740(?) - 1804). Beginning of relations 1779, October. End of relationship 1779, October. Major of the Semenovsky regiment, a young man protected by Countess Bruce. He was distinguished by his wit and cheerfulness. Uncle of one of the subsequent favorites - Ermolov. He was not married, but had 6 “pupils” from a student of the theater school Akulina Semyonova, who were granted the dignity of nobility and his surname.
14 Vysotsky, Nikolai Petrovich (1751-1827). Beginning of relationship 1780, March. Potemkin's nephew. End of relationship 1780, March.
15 Lanskoy, Alexander Dmitrievich (1758-1784) Official favorite. Beginning of relationship 1780 April He was introduced to Catherine by Chief of Police P.I. Tolstoy, she paid attention to him, but he did not become a favorite. Levashev turned to Potemkin for help, he made him his adjutant and supervised his court education for about six months, after which in the spring of 1780 he recommended him to the empress as a warm friend. The end of the relationship was 1784, July 25. He died after a five-day illness with toad and fever. 29 years younger than the 54-year-old at the time the empress began her relationship. The only one of the favorites who did not interfere in politics and refused influence, ranks, and orders. He shared Catherine’s interest in science and, under her guidance, studied French and became acquainted with philosophy. He enjoyed universal sympathy. He sincerely adored the Empress and tried his best to maintain peace with Potemkin. If Catherine began to flirt with someone else, Lanskoy “wasn’t jealous, didn’t cheat on her, wasn’t insolent, but so touchingly […] lamented her disfavor and suffered so sincerely that he won her love again.”
16. Mordvinov. Beginning of relationship 1781 May. Relative of Lermontov. Probably Mordvinov, Nikolai Semyonovich (1754-1845). The admiral's son, the same age as Grand Duke Paul, was brought up with him. The episode did not affect his biography and is usually not mentioned. He became a famous naval commander. Relative of Lermontov
17 Ermolov, Alexander Petrovich (1754-1834) February 1785, a holiday was specially organized to introduce the Empress to him. 1786, June 28. He decided to act against Potemkin (the Crimean Khan Sahib-Girey was supposed to receive from Potemkin large sums, but they were detained, and the khan turned to Ermolov for help), in addition, the empress also lost interest in him. He was expelled from St. Petersburg - he was “allowed to go abroad for three years.” In 1767, traveling along the Volga, Catherine stopped at his father’s estate and took the 13-year-old boy to St. Petersburg. Potemkin took him into his retinue, and almost 20 years later proposed him as a favorite. He was tall and slender, blond, gloomy, taciturn, honest and too simple. WITH letters of recommendation Chancellor Count Bezborodko left for Germany and Italy. Everywhere he behaved very modestly. After retirement, he settled in Moscow and married Elizaveta Mikhailovna Golitsyna, with whom he had children. Nephew of the previous favorite - Vasily Levashov. Then he left for Austria, where he bought the rich and profitable Frosdorf estate near Vienna, where he died at the age of 82.
18. Dmitriev-Mamonov, Alexander Matveevich (1758-1803) In 1786, June was presented to the empress after the departure of Yermolov. 1789 fell in love with Princess Daria Fedorovna Shcherbatova, Catherine’s understanding was complete. asked for forgiveness, forgiven. After the wedding, he was forced to leave St. Petersburg. Future married people in Moscow. He repeatedly asked to return to St. Petersburg, but was refused. His wife gave birth to 4 children, and eventually they separated.
19.Miloradovich. The relationship began in 1789. He was among the candidates proposed after Dmitriev’s resignation. Their number also included retired second major of the Preobrazhensky regiment Kazarinov, Baron Mengden - all young handsome men, behind each of whom stood influential courtiers (Potemkin, Bezborodko, Naryshkin, Vorontsov and Zavadovsky). End of relationship 1789.
20. Miklashevsky. The beginning of the relationship was 1787. The end was 1787. Miklashevsky was a candidate, but did not become a favorite. According to evidence, during Catherine II’s trip to Crimea in 1787, a certain Miklashevsky was among the candidates for favorites. Perhaps it was Miklashevsky, Mikhail Pavlovich (1756-1847), who was part of Potemkin’s retinue as an adjutant (the first step to favor), but it is unclear from what year. In 1798, Mikhail Miklashevsky was appointed governor of Little Russia, but was soon dismissed. In biography, the episode with Catherine is usually not mentioned.
21. Zubov, Platon Alexandrovich (1767-1822) Official favorite. Beginning of relationship 1789, July. A protege of Field Marshal Prince N.I. Saltykov, the chief educator of Catherine’s grandchildren. End of relationship 1796, November 6. Catherine's last favorite. The relationship ended with her death. The 22-year-old at the time of the start of a relationship with the 60-year-old empress. The first official favorite since Potemkin, who was not his adjutant. N.I. Saltykov and A.N. Naryshkina stood behind him, and Perekusikhina also worked for him. He enjoyed great influence and practically managed to oust Potemkin, who threatened to “come and pull out a tooth.” Later he participated in the assassination of Emperor Paul. Shortly before his death, he married a young, humble and poor Polish beauty and was terribly jealous of her.
Memory of Catherine 2. Monuments dedicated to her.
Catherine II was great not only in matters of state, but also in love. After all, she was a woman. A woman who was brought at a fairly young age to a foreign country, married to the unloved and, to put it mildly, strange heir to the throne, Peter. A woman who was oppressed by Elizabeth in every possible way, who was hated by almost the entire female part of the imperial court during Elizabeth’s life.
It is not surprising that Catherine began to have lovers even before her emperorship. According to some experts, the number of Catherine’s lovers reached 23 people. It should be taken into account that many of her lovers are not a passing hobby (there were some), but quite serious relationship. Her chosen ones became favorites, participated in government affairs and did a lot of good for Russia.
Saltykov Sergey Vasilievich
The first of Catherine's reliably known lovers. Their relationship began in the spring of 1752. Ekaterina and Peter have been married for 7 years, but there are no children. And according to one version, Saltykov was “set up” for Catherine in order for her to become pregnant. It is also still widely believed that he is the father of Pavel Petrovich, the future Emperor of Russia. But this has not been reliably proven.
Stanislav August Poniatowski
In 1756, the romance between Catherine and a member of the English embassy Stanislav Poniatowski begins. There is again a version that he is the father of Catherine’s daughter Anna, who died in infancy. Catherine thanked Stanislav for his love. He became king of Poland.
Orlov Grigory Grigorievich
A handsome, tall, educated, fearless Guardsman of the Semenovsky Regiment simply could not help but become the empress’s favorite. especially since he helped Catherine ascend the throne. Their romance lasted more than 10 years. At first, Orlov “played” only the role of a lover, and from 1762 he became her favorite. Performs many responsible tasks. At the same time, he manages to love not only the Empress, but Catherine forgives him everything. She even considered the option of marrying Orlov, but those close to her dissuaded her. Catherine gave birth to a son from Orlov, Alexei Bobrinsky.
Vasilchakov Alexander Semenovich
Becomes lover, and then Catherine’s favorite, while Orlov was in negotiations with Ottoman Empire. Young and handsome (17 years younger than Catherine), he could not stay in favor for long. He was succeeded by a more powerful successor.
Potemkin-Tavrichesky Grigory Alexandrovich
In addition to the fact that he was the favorite of the Empress, Potemkin left a mark on history with other glorious deeds. He was a talented commander statesman. It was he who presented Crimea as a gift to his queen.
Zavadovsky Petr Vasilievich
He replaced Potemkin at the “post,” but quite quickly he himself was removed from favor, not without Potemkin’s intrigues. It is believed that he truly loved Catherine. At the same time, he was a good statesman, which he continued to do after parting with the Empress.
Zorich Semyon Gavrilovich
A handsome hussar, 14 years younger than Catherine. Potemkin’s adjutant, then the head of Catherine’s personal security, then... it’s clear. Potemkin also contributed to Zorich’s speedy departure from St. Petersburg.
Rimsky-Korsakov Ivan Nikolaevich
Handpicked by Potemkin to replace Zorich, 25 years younger than Catherine. Catherine presented him with money, houses, and jewelry. But a year later I found her with Countess Bruce. This is where his favor ended.
Lanskoy Alexander Dmitrievich
Again presented to the Empress by Potemkin. He didn’t get involved in politics, his relationship with Catherine developed very well and romantically, but he died 4 years later from a fever. Catherine sincerely worried about his death.
Dmitriev-Mamonov Alexander Matveevich
Selected for Catherine...by Potemkin, of course. But he fell in love with the Empress's maid of honor. Catherine did not forgive this. But Alexandra let her go in peace, even allowing her to marry the “homewrecker.”
Zubov Platon Alexandrovich
38 years younger than Catherine (!). brightened up last years life of Catherine the Great. He was actively involved in politics, displacing even the powerful Potemkin.
There is also a list of at least a dozen names of Catherine’s lovers. But they were not officially favorites, and we will not examine fleeting connections and palace rumors. So the list turned out to be impressive. And pay attention: among Catherine’s favorites there were no ordinary people, rogues, dummies. And in this matter, Catherine was Great.
The list of Catherine II's men includes men who figured in the intimate life of Empress Catherine the Great (1729–1796), including her spouses, official favorites and lovers. Catherine II has up to 21 lovers, but how can we object to the empress, then of course they had their own methods.
1. Catherine's husband was Peter Fedorovich (Emperor Peter III) (1728-1762)
They had a wedding in 1745, August 21 (September 1). The end of the relationship was June 28 (July 9), 1762 - death of Peter III. His children, according to the Romanov tree, Pavel Petrovich (1754) (according to one version, his father is Sergei Saltykov) and officially - Grand Duchess Anna Petrovna (1757-1759, most likely the daughter of Stanislav Poniatovsky). He suffered from a form of impotence, and in the first years he did not have marital relations with her. Then this problem was solved with the help of a surgical operation, and in order to perform it, Peter got Saltykov drunk.
2. While she was engaged, she also had an affair, Saltykov, Sergei Vasilievich (1726-1765) . In 1752 he was at the small court of the Grand Dukes Catherine and Peter. The beginning of the novel in 1752. The end of the relationship was the birth of a child, Pavel, in October 1754. After which Saltykov was expelled from St. Petersburg and sent as envoy to Sweden.
3. Catherine's lover fell in love in 1756 Stanisław August Poniatowski (1732—1798) . And in 1758, after the fall of Chancellor Bestuzhev, Williams and Poniatowski were forced to leave St. Petersburg. After the affair, her daughter Anna Petrovna (1757-1759) was born; Grand Duke Peter Fedorovich himself thought so, who, judging by “Notes of Catherine,” said: “God knows how my wife gets pregnant; I don’t know for sure whether this child is mine and whether I should recognize him as mine.” In the future, Catherine will make him King of Poland, and then annex Poland and annex it to Russia.
4. Likewise, Catherine 2 was not upset and continued to fall in love. Her next secret lover was Orlov, Grigory Grigorievich (1734-1783) . The beginning of the novel In the spring of 1759, Count Schwerin, the aide-de-camp of Frederick II, who was captured in the Battle of Zorndorf, arrived in St. Petersburg, to whom Orlov was assigned as a guard. Orlov gained fame by wresting his mistress from Pyotr Shuvalov. The end of the relationship in 1772, after the death of her husband, even she wanted to marry him and then she was dissuaded. Orlov had many mistresses. They also had a son, Bobrinsky, Alexey Grigorievich was born on April 22, 1762, a few months after the death of Elizaveta Petrovna. It is reported that on the day she went into labor, her faithful servant Shkurin set fire to his house, and Peter rushed off to watch the fire. Orlov and his passionate brothers contributed to the overthrow of Peter and the accession of Catherine to the throne. Having lost favor, he married his cousin Ekaterina Zinovieva, and after her death he went crazy.
5. Vasilchikov, Alexander Semyonovich (1746—1803/1813) Official favorite. Acquaintance in 1772, September. He often stood guard in Tsarskoye Selo and received a golden snuffbox. Took Orlov's room. 1774, March 20, in connection with the rise of Potemkin, he was sent to Moscow. Catherine considered him boring (14 years difference). After retirement, he settled in Moscow with his brother and did not marry.
6. Potemkin, Grigory Alexandrovich (1739-1791) Official favorite, husband from 1775. In April 1776 he went on vacation. Catherine gave birth to Potemkin's daughter, Elizaveta Grigorievna Tyomkina. Despite the gap in her personal life, thanks to her abilities, she maintained Catherine's friendship and respect and for many years remained the second person in the state. He was not married, his personal life consisted of “enlightening” his young nieces, including Ekaterina Engelgart.
7.
Zavadovsky, Pyotr Vasilievich (1739-1812)
official favorite.
The beginning of the relationship in 1776. November, presented to the empress as an author, interested Catherine. In 1777, June did not suit Potemkin and was removed. Also in May 1777, Catherine met Zorich. He was jealous of Catherine 2, which did the damage. 1777 recalled by the empress back to the capital, 1780 engaged in administrative affairs, married Vera Nikolaevna Apraksina.
8. Zorich, Semyon Gavrilovich (1743/1745—1799) . In 1777, June became Catherine's personal guard. 1778 June caused inconvenience, expelled from St. Petersburg (14 years younger than the Empress) Was dismissed and sent into retirement with little remuneration. Founded the Shklov School. Enmeshed in debt and suspected of counterfeiting.
9. Rimsky-Korsakov, Ivan Nikolaevich (1754-1831) Official favorite. 1778, June. Noticed by Potemkin, who was looking to replace Zorich, and distinguished by him due to his beauty, as well as ignorance and lack of serious abilities that could make him a political rival. Potemkin introduced him to the empress among three officers. On June 1, he was appointed aide-de-camp to the Empress. 1779, October 10. Removed from the court after the Empress found him in the arms of Countess Praskovya Bruce, sister of Field Marshal Rumyantsev. This intrigue of Potemkin had as its goal the removal not of Korsakov, but of Bruce herself. 25 years younger than the empress; Catherine was attracted by his announced “innocence.” He was very handsome and had an excellent voice (for his sake, Catherine invited world-famous musicians to Russia). After the loss of favor, he first stayed in St. Petersburg and talked in living rooms about his connection with the empress, which hurt her pride. In addition, he left Bruce and began an affair with Countess Ekaterina Stroganova (he was 10 years younger than her). This turned out to be too much, and Catherine sent him to Moscow. Stroganova’s husband eventually gave her a divorce. Korsakov lived with her until the end of her life, they had a son and two daughters.
10. Stakhiev (Strakhov). Beginning of relationship 1778; 1779, June. End of relationship 1779, October. According to the description of contemporaries, “a jester of the lowest order.” Strakhov was a protégé of Count N.I. Panin Strakhov may be Ivan Varfolomeevich Strakhov (1750-1793), in which case he was not the empress’s lover, but a man whom Panin considered insane, and who, when Catherine once told him that he could ask her for some favor, threw himself on his knees and asked for her hand, after which she began to avoid him.
11. Stoyanov (Stanov). Beginning of relations 1778. End of relationship 1778. Potemkin's protégé.
12. Rantsov (Rontsov), Ivan Romanovich (1755-1791). The beginning of the relationship 1779. Mentioned among those who participated in the “competition”, it is not entirely clear whether he managed to visit the empress’s alcove. End of relationship 1780. One of the illegitimate sons of Count R.I. Vorontsov, half-brother of Dashkova. A year later he led a London mob in riots organized by Lord George Gordon.
13. Levashov, Vasily Ivanovich (1740(?) - 1804) . The beginning of the relationship 1779, October. End of relationship 1779, October. Major of the Semenovsky regiment, a young man protected by Countess Bruce. He was distinguished by his wit and cheerfulness. Uncle of one of the subsequent favorites - Ermolov. He was not married, but had 6 “pupils” from a student of the theater school Akulina Semyonova, who were granted the dignity of nobility and his surname.
14. Vysotsky, Nikolai Petrovich (1751-1827) . Beginning of relationship 1780, March. Potemkin's nephew. End of relationship 1780, March.
15. Lanskoy, Alexander Dmitrievich (1758-1784) . Official favorite. Beginning of relationship 1780 April He was introduced to Catherine by Chief of Police P.I. Tolstoy, she paid attention to him, but he did not become a favorite. Levashev turned to Potemkin for help, he made him his adjutant and supervised his court education for about six months, after which in the spring of 1780 he recommended him to the empress as a warm friend. The end of the relationship was 1784, July 25. He died after a five-day illness with toad and fever. 29 years younger than the 54-year-old at the time the empress began her relationship. The only one of the favorites who did not interfere in politics and refused influence, ranks, and orders. He shared Catherine’s interest in science and, under her guidance, studied French and became acquainted with philosophy. He enjoyed universal sympathy. He sincerely adored the Empress and tried his best to maintain peace with Potemkin. If Catherine began to flirt with someone else, Lanskoy “wasn’t jealous, didn’t cheat on her, wasn’t insolent, but so touchingly […] lamented her disfavor and suffered so sincerely that he won her love again.”
16 . Mordvinov. Beginning of relationship 1781 May. Relative of Lermontov. Probably Mordvinov, Nikolai Semyonovich (1754-1845). The admiral's son, the same age as Grand Duke Paul, was brought up with him. The episode did not affect his biography and is usually not mentioned. He became a famous naval commander. Relative of Lermontov.
17. Ermolov, Alexander Petrovich (1754-1834). 1785 February, a holiday was specially arranged to introduce the Empress to him. 1786, June 28. He decided to act against Potemkin (the Crimean Khan Sahib-Girey was supposed to receive large sums from Potemkin, but they were detained, and the khan turned to Ermolov for help), in addition, the empress also lost interest in him. He was expelled from St. Petersburg - he was “allowed to go abroad for three years.” In 1767, traveling along the Volga, Catherine stopped at his father’s estate and took the 13-year-old boy to St. Petersburg. Potemkin took him into his retinue, and almost 20 years later proposed him as a favorite. He was tall and slender, blond, gloomy, taciturn, honest and too simple. With letters of recommendation from the Chancellor, Count Bezborodko, he left for Germany and Italy. Everywhere he behaved very modestly. After retirement, he settled in Moscow and married Elizaveta Mikhailovna Golitsyna, with whom he had children. Nephew of the previous favorite - Vasily Levashov. Then he left for Austria, where he bought the rich and profitable Frosdorf estate near Vienna, where he died at the age of 82.
18. Dmitriev-Mamonov, Alexander Matveevich (1758-1803). In 1786, June was presented to the Empress after the departure of Yermolov. 1789 fell in love with Princess Daria Fedorovna Shcherbatova, Catherine’s understanding was complete. asked for forgiveness, forgiven. After the wedding, he was forced to leave St. Petersburg. Future married people in Moscow. He repeatedly asked to return to St. Petersburg, but was refused. His wife gave birth to 4 children, and eventually they separated.
19. Miloradovich . The relationship began in 1789. He was among the candidates proposed after Dmitriev’s resignation. Their number also included retired second major of the Preobrazhensky regiment Kazarinov, Baron Mengden - all young handsome men, behind each of whom stood influential courtiers (Potemkin, Bezborodko, Naryshkin, Vorontsov and Zavadovsky). End of relationship 1789.
20. Miklashevsky . The beginning of the relationship was 1787. The end was 1787. Miklashevsky was a candidate, but did not become a favorite. According to evidence, during Catherine II’s trip to Crimea in 1787, a certain Miklashevsky was among the candidates for favorites. Perhaps it was Miklashevsky, Mikhail Pavlovich (1756-1847), who was part of Potemkin’s retinue as an adjutant (the first step to favor), but it is unclear from what year. In 1798, Mikhail Miklashevsky was appointed governor of Little Russia, but was soon dismissed. In biography, the episode with Catherine is usually not mentioned.
21. Zubov, Platon Alexandrovich (1767-1822) . Official favorite. Beginning of relationship 1789, July. A protege of Field Marshal Prince N.I. Saltykov, the chief educator of Catherine’s grandchildren. End of relationship 1796, November 6. Catherine's last favorite. The relationship ended with her death. The 22-year-old at the time of the start of a relationship with the 60-year-old empress. The first official favorite since Potemkin, who was not his adjutant. N.I. Saltykov and A.N. Naryshkina stood behind him, and Perekusikhina also worked for him. He enjoyed great influence and practically managed to oust Potemkin, who threatened to “come and pull out a tooth.” Later he participated in the assassination of Emperor Paul. Shortly before his death, he married a young, humble and poor Polish beauty and was terribly jealous of her.
Memory Catherine II. Monuments dedicated to her.
Introduction…………………………………………………………………………………2
Catherine's lovers I …………………………………………...3
List of references………………………………………………………..12
Introduction
Empress Catherine the Second loved making love and never hid it: according to the most conservative estimates, the number of more or less permanent partners great woman ranged from 18 to 23. The amounts that Catherine’s carnal pleasures cost the treasury are colossal! 92 and a half million rubles were spent on ten main favorites alone. In addition, each bedfellow invariably received titles, estates, and thousands of serfs.
B Most contemporaries did not see anything unnatural in the empress’s hobbies: similar morals flourished in the 18th century in many European royal houses. So in the city of Petrov, the mechanism for attracting young people to the royal alcove was debugged. At some reception, the Empress paid favorable attention to, say, an unknown lieutenant. The next day, she dictated a decree to appoint the lieutenant to Her Majesty's aide-de-camp and immediately summon him to the palace. But here he did not end up in the commandant’s office, but for an appointment with physician Rogerson, a well-known specialist in venereal diseases. Having examined the new patient and found him healthy, the physician handed over the ward from hand to hand to Countess Bruce or maid of honor Protasova, whose duties piquantly balanced on the fine line of the art of pimping and testing the subject for sexual “quality.” Having successfully passed all the exams, even intimate ones, and having received the last instructions from the charming ladies, the recruit headed to a special room.
Luxurious apartments and crowds of livery servants were already ready to receive a new guest. Out of curiosity, opening the box desk, he discovered one hundred thousand rubles - an advance of love. In the evening, at a ball or reception, Catherine appeared leaning on the hand of a new temporary worker. At ten o'clock they left...
From now on, the Empress's lover was waiting new life. His every wish was strictly fulfilled. Except for one thing - he had no right to leave his rooms on his own.
Catherine's lovers I
Grand Duke
Pyotr Fedorovich
(Emperor Peter III)
(1728-1762) Beginning of relationship 1745 August 21 (September 1) - wedding - end of relationship: June 28 (July 9) 1762 - death of Peter III. Legal spouse. His children, according to the Romanov tree: Pavel Petrovich(1754) (according to one version, his father is Sergei Saltykov) and officially - Grand Duchess Anna Petrovna(1757-1759, most likely the daughter of Stanisław Poniatowski). He suffered, according to rumors, from some kind of impotence associated with deformation of the penis - possibly phimosis, and in the early years he did not have marital relations with her. Then this problem was solved with the help of a surgical operation, and in order to perform it, Peter got Saltykov drunk.
2 Saltykov, Sergey Vasilievich
(1726-1765)
1752 Since this period, he has been at the “small court” of the Grand Dukes Ekaterina Alekseevna and Pyotr Fedorovich. The beginning of the novel is probably the spring of the same year. 1754, October. 2 weeks after the birth of Grand Duke Paul, he was hastily sent as an envoy to Sweden. A few months earlier, when signs of Catherine's pregnancy became noticeable, he was no longer allowed to see her and she suffered from separation anxiety. Secret lover The only known man of the empress older than her in age. Catherine II, wanting to discredit her son Paul, did not refute rumors that Saltykov was his father. After the story with Catherine, he remained at foreign courts almost his entire life. 3 Stanislav August Poniatowski
(1732-1798)
1756-1758. Catherine, having recovered from childbirth and separation from her beloved Saltykov, fell in love again with a young Pole who came to Russia in his retinue English Ambassador Williams. After the fall of Chancellor Bestuzhev, Williams and Poniatovsky were forced to leave St. Petersburg. Secret Lover Officially recognized Grand Duchess Anna Petrovna(1757-1759), most likely, was the daughter of Poniatovsky, as Grand Duke Peter Fedorovich himself believed, who, judging by “Notes of Catherine,” said: “God knows how my wife gets pregnant; I don’t know for sure whether this child is mine and whether I should recognize him as mine.” In the future, Catherine will make him King of Poland, and then annex Poland and annex it to Russia. The only foreigner on the list of lovers of Catherine, a German-born princess: such a passion for Russian beauties pleased her subjects, who remembered the “German dominance” of the favorites Anna Ioannovna and Anna Leopoldovna. 4 Orlov, Grigory Grigorievich
(1734-1783)
1759 or 1760. In the spring of 1759, Count Schwerin, the aide-de-camp of Frederick II, who was captured in the Battle of Zorndorf, arrived in St. Petersburg, to which Orlov was assigned as a guard. Orlov gained fame by wresting his mistress from Pyotr Shuvalov. In total, the couple was together for 12 years; after the death of her husband, Catherine even wanted to marry him, but she was dissuaded. At the same time, he had many mistresses, about whom Catherine knew. Finally, at the beginning of 1772, he left for a peace congress with the Turks in Focsani, and in his absence the favorite’s star sank, as Catherine turned her attention to Vasilchikov. Secret lover, then official favorite (from 1762). Bobrinsky, Alexey Grigorievich- son of Catherine and Orlov, born on April 22, 1762, a few months after the death of Elizaveta Petrovna. It is reported that on the day she went into labor, her faithful servant Shkurin set his house on fire, and Peter rushed off to watch the fire. Orlov and his passionate brothers contributed to the overthrow of Peter and the accession of Catherine to the throne. Having lost favor, he married his cousin Ekaterina Zinovieva, and after her death he went crazy. 5 Vasilchikov, Alexander Semenovich
(1746-1803/1813)
1772 -1774, September. In the spring and summer of this year, he often stood guard in Tsarskoe Selo, where he attracted the attention of the Empress and soon received a golden snuffbox “for maintaining the guard.” Then he occupied the rooms in the palace in which Orlov lived, and out of fear of the sudden return of the former favorite, a guard was posted at the doors of his premises. Such a change in the favorite, after the Oryol decade, was new and caused a great stir at court on March 20. In connection with the rise of Potemkin, Vasilchikov was sent the highest order to go to Moscow. Official favorite The first of Catherine's favorites was much younger than her in age (14 years difference), and was distinguished by beauty. He was unselfish and made little use of his position. Catherine, however, felt his emptiness and lack of education and considered him boring. After retirement, he settled in Moscow with his brother, but did not marry. 6 Potemkin, Grigory Alexandrovich
(1739-1791)
1774, spring. A longtime acquaintance of Catherine, who took part in the coup of 1776. In April 1776, he went on vacation to inspect the Novgorod province, at which time Zavadovsky, on whom the Empress had her eye, took his place. The official favorite, apparently, has been a morganatic spouse since 1775 (see Wedding of Catherine II and Potemkin) Catherine gave birth to Potemkin’s daughter - Elizaveta Grigorievna Tyomkina. Despite the gap in his personal life, thanks to his abilities, he maintained the friendship and respect of Catherine and for many years remained the second person in the state. He was not married, his personal life consisted of “enlightening” his young nieces, including Ekaterina Engelgart 7 Zavadovsky, Pyotr Vasilievich
(1739-1812)
1776-1777, November. He was under Rumyantsev and was introduced to the empress as the author of dispatches and reports on the affairs of Little Russia in the summer of 1775 during her stay in Moscow. She was interested in him as a “quieter and more humble” person than Potemkin., July. He joined the party of the Orlovs and Count Rumyantsev, did not suit Potemkin and was removed through his efforts. In May 1777, after Catherine met Zorich, Zavadovsky was given a 6-month official leave. Official favorite Little Russian by birth. After his resignation, he held prominent positions in the administration. He loved the empress “like a woman” and was truly jealous of her, which harmed him in her eyes. I couldn’t forget her even after the breakup. He went to the Lyalichi estate granted to him, in 1777 he was recalled by the empress back to the capital, and since 1780 he has been engaged in administrative activities on her behalf. Became the first Minister of Public Education. He married Vera Nikolaevna Apraksina, daughter of S. O. Apraksina, niece and mistress of Kirill Razumovsky. Considered next in ability after Potemkin among Catherine's favorites; the only one besides him whom she allowed to return and assigned to engage in government activities. 8 Zorich, Semyon Gavrilovich
(1743/1745-1799)
1777-1778, June. Potemkin, wanting to remove Zavadovsky, looked for a replacement for him and took Zorich as his adjutant, and then appointed him commander of the Life Hussar Squadron - Catherine’s personal guard. Caused the displeasure of the empress immoderate card game, and Potemkin’s dissatisfaction with the unwillingness to take into account his interests, in a fit of temper he said a bunch of insolence to the prince. He was expelled from St. Petersburg. Official favorite A handsome hussar of Serbian origin, 14 years younger than the Empress. Catherine was dissatisfied with his poor education and the fact that he did not share her cultural interests, always expecting that he could “do something dirty.” As a result, he was dismissed with a large reward, granted 7 thousand peasants and settled in the town of Shklov, given to him by Catherine II, where he founded the Shklov Noble School at his own expense. Enmeshed in debt and suspected of counterfeiting.
