Catherine The Great Today

The time during her reign, the Catherinian Era, is known as the Golden Age of Russia. She freed Russian nobles from compulsory military service.  Though most historians agree on her diplomatic and political accomplishments achieved during her reign, not all were in agreement regarding her appearance.

Some artists chose to depict her as fair-skinned with blonde hair. Modern artistic portrayal paints a deeper hue, and we think it compliments her well.