Welcome back. As you enter this gallery, turn left and go to the first case mounted on the wall. Here, you see a tapestry portrait of Peter the Great. This is based on a painted portrait made when Peter was traveling in Europe. By the beginning of the 18th century, he was determined to expand Russia's borders to the west and bring Western culture to Russia. He built a new capital and named it St. Petersburg. Peter ordered his court to speak French instead of Russian and to wear powdered wigs. Most shockingly, he ordered men to shave their long beards.
Featured item: Tapestry Portrait of Peter the Great
While browsing the actual gallery you also would find: