Francesco Camporesi (1747–1831)
Colored etching of the Moscow Kremlin
N.p., ca. 1790
NYPL, Slavic and Baltic Division

Although dating from the late 18th century, this etching, part of a panoramic series depicting the Kremlin walls and the structures within, documents many buildings originally constructed in the 15th, 16th, and 17th centuries.

The exterior walls, towers (although the pointed roofs were added later), and many of the religious and secular structures within its walls were designed and built by Italian architects originally hired by Ivan III (r. 1462–1505). They successfully merged Muscovite aesthetics with the latest construction methods, providing an excellent example of how Muscovite Russia sought foreign expertise on a key project – while largely maintaining a native style.

Francesco Camporesi made his sketches for these hand-colored engravings from the perspective of the opposite bank of the Moscow River. Among the structures visible here are the Kremlin wall (15th century, designed by various Italian architects), the Cathedral of the Annunciation (15th century, with portals recarved by Italian artisans in the 16th century), and the Archangel Cathedral (16th century, by Alevisio Nuovi of Milan).