Peter the Great, tsar of Russia. Russian school (?), first half 18th century. Peter I (1672-1725) was tsar (emperor) of Russia from 1682 to 1725. It was a reign marked by a series of reforms. Peter took the countries of Western Europe as his model. In1697, a Russian mission was sent to the West to open diplomatic talks. Russia needed allies in the war against the Ottoman Empire. The ambassadors were also ordered to gather scientific and technical information. One of the places they visited was the Dutch Republic. The tsar travelled with the embassy, although in disguise: it was vital that news did not spread to Russia of the tsar's absence from the country. Here Peter is depicted in simple clothes. He is wearing the cross and ribbon of the Order of St Andrew, his own creation.