First Edition in the Third Millennium

Moscow – Novodevichy Convent

Plate #8 Collectors Series “Remembrance of Russia”

Limited Edition by current Russian Artists issued by
“Renaissance Porcelain”

The Novodevichy Convent is one of Moscow’s most beautiful examples of architecture, and is rich with history and treasures.

The name ‘Novodevichy’, (New Maidens) probably originates from a market, once held in the locality, where Tatars bought Russian girls to sell to Muslim harems.

The convent was founded in 1524.From early on; noblewomen would retire here, some willingly, some not.

Novodevichy was rebuilt by Peter the Great’s half sister Sofia, who used it as a second residence when she ruled Russia as regent in the 1680’s.

When Peter (later the Great), aged 17,deposed Sofia in 1689,he confined her to Novodevichy.

Yevdokia Lopukhina, Peter’s first wife, whom he considered a nag, and divorced, joined Sofia in her retirement.