The Victory at Poltava

Why it's great

In 1709 Peter the Great's army defeated the Swedes under Charles XII at Poltava, a victory that made Russia a great power. Alexander von Kotzebue painted the battle in 1862.

🏛️ Part of history

Peter the Great & Russia Turns West (1682–1725) — In 1709 Peter the Great's army defeated the Swedes under Charles XII at Poltava, a victory that made Russia a great power.

Where to see it

📍 Location not recordedWe couldn't confirm where it hangs today. Museums sometimes move or lend paintings, so check the museum's website before you travel.

Hang it on your wall

⬇ Hi-res download 1,920 × 1,289 px · 2.5 megapixels This is the largest scan on Wikimedia Commons, which is fairly small for a big print. The museum that owns it may offer a larger one. File page & license ↗

Three places to look for a print of this painting, from budget to museum-grade:

💵 Budget Etsy ↗ Posters and simple prints from small sellers, usually the lowest prices. 🖼️ Mid-range Fine Art America ↗ Good printing on paper, canvas or metal, made to order, with framing options. 🏛️ High-end Meisterdrucke ↗ Museum-grade giclée prints on archival paper or canvas, the closest to the real thing.

These links open search results on each shop's own website; we don't sell anything or earn a commission, and print quality varies by seller. Ask a grown-up before you buy anything.

About the artist

Alexander von Kotzebue

1815–1889 · born in Königsberg · died in Munich

Alexander von Kotzebue was a Russian painter born in Königsberg in 1815, the son of the famous German dramatist. He became a battle painter for the Russian tsars and later lived in Munich. He died in Munich in 1889.