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Переписка Екатерины II и врача-философа И. Г. Циммермана: новые архивные материалы
The author of the paper reconstructs the strategy of correspondence between Catherine II and the Swiss-German philosopher I. G. Zimmerman, which lasted from 1785 to 1792, for the first time analyzes the reasons for the change in the nature of the empress’s letters, turning from friendly messages, where correspondents act as partners in intellectual communication, into imperial rescripts; the mechanisms of creating the European reputation of Catherine II are explored – from the “philosopher on the throne” to the mistress of the world Cybele (this allegory appears in Zimmerman’s last letter), influencing the political events of the era. Using the resource of epistolary dialogue with European intellectuals qui influence public opinion, Catherine builds the successful model of foreign political communication, on the one hand, to adopt and rethink the general cultural and civilizational achievements of Europe, and on the other hand, to strengthen the political significance of the Russian Empire. Initially, Zimmerman, the author of popular philosophical treatises, was perceived by Catherine as one of her famous European correspondents and educators, with whom she discussed issues of concern to her regarding the arrangement of the Russian Empire, exchanged books and gifts, invited him to come to St. Petersburg and even accompany her on a trip to Russia. However, during 1789, a clear turn occurred, associated both with the French Revolution, which changed Catherine’s attitude towards the values of the Enlightenment, and with a reassessment of the personality of Zimmermann himself, who was involved in a number of political scandals with the Berlin circle of enlighteners. From this time on, Catherine’s letters acquired a distinctly political character, since she considered him a person close to King Frederick William II, trying to influence Prussian foreign policy through him. If Catherine's letters were published in full from the originals, which are part of the Zimmermann archive in the Hanoverian library of Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz, then Zimmermann’s letters were only partially published. The article introduces for the first time into scientific circulation unpublished letters of Zimmerman, which are today stored in the RGADA, and also involves the circle of his German correspondents, in particular, correspondence with the philosopher and publisher Friedrich Nicolai, it is in the Department manuscripts of the Berlin State Library - Prussian cultural heritage.