The Empress of Art

“A well-researched biography. The author provides a unique perspective on the woman who “transformed Russia from a northern backwater to global superpower.” An intriguing biography of a ruler whose ruthlessness encompassed art.” – Kirkus Reviews “Jaques portrays Catherine II of Russia, founder of the Hermitage Museum in St. Petersburg, as a shrewd investor in this considerate biography of the art-obsessed monarch. The ambitious, German-born empress remains a rich source of material. The Hermitage marked its 250th anniversary in 2014, and as Jaques shows, it stands as a fitting testimonial to its visionary founder.” – Publishers Weekly “An absorbing account of a fascinating figure and her legacy” – Booklist “Readers of biography, art history and collecting, Russian history, and 18th-century world history will enjoy this book. Lovers of opulence will drool over Catherine’s lifestyle.” – Library Journal “What a wonderful book this is for art lovers of every stripe.” – Annalyn Swan, Pulitzer prize-winning co-author of DE KOONING: An American Master “Susan Jaques has produced an informative, accessible guide to the fascinating mosaic of America’s art musems. Chock full of history, beautifully descriptive and always engaging, this work will introduce art loves (and art lovers to be) to many undiscovered riches.” – Dewey Blanton, Director, American Association of Museums

Susan Jaques is a journalist specializing in art. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in history from Stanford University and an MBA from UCLA. She is the author of A Love for the Beautiful: Discovering America’s Hidden Art Museums and lives in Los Angeles, California, where she’s a gallery docent at the J. Paul Getty Museum.

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