To her most sacred Majesty, Catharine the second Empress of all the Russias, whose transcendent wisdom, admirable policy and parental affection, extended to every part of her vast dominions, have completed the immense work begun by the immortal Peter as a just tribute to this august princess, the avowed patroness of genius, and universal protectress of art, science and literature, these volumes are with the profoundest respect and gratitude dedicated by her imperial Majesty's most obedient and most devoted servant John Boydell / Tomkins scripsit, Ashby sculpsit.