This website is part of The New York Public Library's Online Exhibition Archive. For current classes, programs, and exhibitions, please visit nypl.org.
Russia Engages the World, 1453-1825
1453 Through the Reign of Ivan the Terrible (1533-1584) The Time of Troubles to the First Romanovs (1598-1682) Peter the Great and His Legacy (1682-1762) The Age of Catherine the Great (1762-1801) The Reign of Emperor Alexander I (1801-1825)

                                     

Explore this Section:

Alexander I (r. 1801–25)
Napoleon Bonaparte


Russia's Globalization:
A Key

Events marked Russia Symbol are specific to Muscovy/Russia's internal development.
Those marked World Symbol are important world historical or cultural events.
Engagement Symbol indicates specific points of sociocultural or military engagement between Muscovy/Russia and foreign powers or individuals.




















 

 

   A Russian Ridicules Napoleon
  A Russian Ridicules Napoleon
   Photographic Services & Permissions
  “ The Beginning of the End,” from:
Ivan Ivanovich Terebenev (1780–1815)
Karrikatury Napoleona I [Caricatures of Napoleon I]
[Russia, ca. 1813–15]
NYPL, Slavic and Baltic Division

The magnitude of Napoleon’s defeat, as well as his small physical stature, made him a popular subject for ridicule. Terebenev was one of the best-known Russian satirical artists of his day. This caricature, captioned in French, depicts a quartet of staff officers playing for Napoleon, who is oblivious to events involving his continental “allies” in the background.