born Jan. 28, 1693, Moscow, Russia
died Oct. 17, 1740, St. Petersburg
Empress of Russia (1730–40).
After the death of Peter II , the Supreme Privy Council, Russia's actual ruling body, offered Anna the throne (as the daughter of Ivan V ) if she agreed to conditions placing the real power in the council's hands. She initially agreed but later tore up the conditions, abolished the council, and reestablished the autocracy, countenancing a severely repressive regime. She occupied herself primarily with extravagant amusements and relied on her lover, Ernst Johann Biron (1690–1772), and a group of German advisers to manage the state. Shortly before her death, Anna named as her successor her grand-nephew Ivan (later Ivan VI ).
Anna Ivanovna, enameled miniature by an unknown artist, 18th century; in the collection of Mrs. ...
Courtesy of Hillwood, Washington, D.C.