Jokers of Catherine the Great. Kurukin I.V.

The reign of Catherine the Great is the time of brilliant sunset of favoritism in Russia, and the name of the Empress is firmly associated with her “ministers of pleasure”. Young guards officers replaced each other in the chambers of the sovereign, entertained her in the capital and suburban residences, accompanied her on trips, received fabulously expensive gifts, titles, ranks, orders and estates with thousands of serfs, but quickly left the historical scene.

How was favoritism integrated into the public administration system? What are the reasons for the appearance of a series of royal favorites? What, in addition to close relations with the Lord, did they engage in a “famous position”, what role did they play in the court life and big politics? Dedicated to the chosen ones of Catherine II, who, to the best of the forces and abilities, shared her interests and aspirations, but did not have their own opinion.