Catherine the Great: The World's Greatest Collector
By Andrew Prince
Date
5 February 2025
Location
Morning Lecture: 11.00 Hrs. at La Senieta, Moraira
Evening Lecture: 19.30 Hrs. at Casa de Cultura, Jávea,
ABOUT THE LECTURE
In 1745, a Princess from the minor province of Anhalt-Zerbst in Saxony, married Prince Karl Peter Ulrich of Schleswig-Holstein-Gottorf, heir to the Imperial Russian Throne. She was Princess Sophie Auguste Frederike and by 1762 she had deposed her, was crowned Empress Catherine II and became the sole ruler of the Russian Empire. With seemingly inexhaustible wealth, she set about creating the most glittering court in Europe, if not the world. From the arts, to architecture, to the most dazzling of jewels, her passion for cultivating, commissioning and collecting only the finest has formed the nucleus of the Hermitage Museum in St Petersburg. In his talk Andrew guides you through this fascinating time and illustrates what was created, lost and survives to this day, not to mention her private passions.
THE ARTS SOCIETY ACCREDITED LECTURER
Andrew Prince's consuming passion for jewels can be traced back to him swallowing one of his mother’s pearl earrings as a 3-year-old. Andrew's exquisite jewels have adorned celebrities including Michael Jackson, Miss Piggy, and the stars of Downton Abbey. His entertaining and informative lectures on the history of jewellery and fashion have delighted audiences around the world.
How to book this event
La Senieta, Moraira
Doors open at 10.15 hrs. for registration.
Presentation 11.00 – 12.00 hrs.
Admission is free for members, €15 guests' donation.
Casa de Cultura, Javea
Doors open at 18:45 hrs. for registration.
Presentation 19:30 – 20:30 hrs.
Admission is free for members, €15 guests' donation.