This is a portrait of peter the great, tsar of russia (1672–1725), and his page boy. It is by the german artist baron gustav von mardefeld and dates from the early 18th century. They are shown on the battlefield and are wearing ceremonial dress. The boy was originally thought to be abraham hannibal [also spellt abram gannibal] (about 1696–1781), who had been kidnapped from africa at a young age and adopted by peter the great. Hannibal later became chief military engineer in the russian army and was the great-grandfather of the famous writer alexander pushkin. But at the time that this portrait was painted hannibal would have been in his mid twenties. Date: circa 1707 or ca. 1720 (made). Medium: watercolor on vellum miniature. Collection: Victoria and Albert Museum.
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