Peter I and Catherine I: the idea of continuity and the style of its representation in the newspaper “Vedomosti” (1702-1727)

On the pages of the “Vedomosti” newspaper he founded, Peter I is often represented, among other things, as a carrier of the human principle. This humanity is bidirectional: on the one hand, the tsar celebrates his birthday, on the other - his birthday becomes an important state event; on the one hand, Catherine I is his wife, on the other - a faithful companion and support in state affairs, and then a successor on the throne. The difference between Catherine and her daughters Anna and Elizabeth is that she was thought of not as a part of the retinue (although a special part), but as a reliable support, as an integral part of the spouse’s life. After Peter’s death, “Vedomosti” published some articles that exceeds the previous mentions of Catherine I, who has taken the reins of government. The enumeration of the Empress’s actions (caring for people, for sciences and the military affairs, personal presence at various events, decoration of Petergof) is intended to show that Peter’s death did not interrupt his concern for the development and prosperity of Russia, and the emphasis on reverence for the memory of the dead Emperor only strengthened the overall impression: Catherine I was actually the alter ego of her late husband.