Timothei Ivanov; Catherine II (1729-1796); Empress of Russia 1762-1796; Establishment of the Foundlings Hospital; 1763; bronze; Enlightenment principles and a desire to westernize Russia inspired Catherine the Great's ambitious program to reform education and welfare in Russia. This medal commemorates the decree establishing an orphanage in St. Petersburg that provided free education and housing to orphans (completed in 1772).