History has long recognized Catherine the Great's lavish reign (1762-96), exceptional accomplishments and political savvy. This immigrant German princess, who came to Russia at the age of fourteen, took to her adopted nation with a passion and became one of history's most important monarchs. The Empress was also an avid collector and enlightened patron who understood the political power of art and grasped the role it could play in the modernization of Russia begun by her predecessor, Peter the Great.