Catherine the Great's reign from 1762 to 1796 is known as the golden age and she is remembered for her exceptional patronage of the arts, literature and education. Masterpieces from the Hermitage: The Legacy of Catherine the Great brings to life Catherine the Great's collection of art. Amassed over a thirty-four year period, this extraordinary collection, drawn from the Hermitage Museum in St Petersburg, features some of the most outstanding art of the eighteenth century. This volume presents works by renowned and esteemed Old Masters such as Rembrandt, Velazquez, Rubens, Titian and others, as well as a strong collection of decorative arts and Chinese art. These works represent the best artists of the time and epitomise Catherine the Great's vision and passion for the arts. Internationally renowned scholars and curators present their expertise in this significant and historic volume on one of the most majestic periods in European art history.