2021-01-05 Tue

Elizabeth Petrovna was the Empress of Russia from 1741 until her death in 1762. She remains one of the most popular Russian monarchs because of her decision not to execute a single person during her reign, her numerous construction projects, and her strong opposition to Prussian policies.

Upon ascending the throne, Elizabeth abolished the cabinet council system of government that had been employed by her predecessors and formally reconstituted the Senate as it had been created by her father. Her first task after this was to address the war with Sweden. In 1743, the Treaty of Abo was signed, with Sweden ceding to Russia all of southern Finland east of the Kymmene River.

During her reign, Elizabeth continued the policies of her father and brought a remarkable Age of Enlightenment in Russia. Her court was one of the most splendid in all Europe, especially regarding architecture: she modernized Russia's roads, encouraged Ivan Shuvalov's foundation of the Imperial Academy of Arts, and financed grandiose baroque projects of her favourite architect, Bartolomeo Rastrelli, particularly in Peterhof Palace.

Depicted here is a coin of Elizabeth of Russia. The obverse of a coin depicts a Bust of empress Elizaveta facing right. The reverse of a coin engraved Crown above crowned double-headed eagle, shield on breast.

Image Source: Wikipedia.org