At the crossroads of Gogol St and Turgenev St. was The Russian House of Commerce (Gostinny Dvor). >>

The end of the 17th Century was marked by a strengthening of the struggle for domination of the Baltic region. Denmark, Saxony and Russia formed a coalition against Sweden. At first the war was working in the Swedes’ favour. Denmark and the Rzeczpospo-lita left the war. However, the energetic Russian Tsar Peter I had quickly managed to modernise his army. A crucial event in the progress of the Northern War was the Battle of Poltava (1709), which ended in the utter defeat of the Swedish army. Russian troops besieged Riga as soon as November 1709. >>

Son of a Russian merchant, dressed in a caftan, similar to a poddyovka (tight-fitting coat). >>

Russian merchant of vegetables wrapped in a caftan. >>

Wife of a Russian merchant from Riga. Beneath the colourful woven shawl can be seen a bodice without sleeves or dushegreyka (sleeveless jacket) >>

Russian boy – a market gardener, selling vegetables, dressed in a Russian shirt with short sleeves. >>

Orthodox sexton accompanying a priest to hospital, carrying a prayer book and censer. >>

Don Cossack Uniform

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A Russian in Riga selling tallow candles  made locally or brought in from Vologda. Dressed in a brown caftan. >>

Russian resident of Riga  selling salaka (type of herring) and his hunting catch. In the box is herring, partridge in the shoulder bag, and black grouse across his shoulder. >>