final piece for a painting class we had to pick a person who influenced history. i picked Ivan The Terrible, Grand Prince of Moscow from 1547 to 1584.

Ivan's rule was interesting in that its first half was prosperous, but the second was one of Russia's darkest times.

Russia saw a time of peace, enriched trade and culture when Ivan first took the throne. the famous St Basil Cathedral was built during this time, and many Russians were living a luxurious and happy life.

but the threat of war and a terrible illness that almost killed Ivan and warped his mind in the 1550's would flip everything upside down. during this time, he became increasingly paranoid and delusional, more in fear of his own life than his people as plague, famine and raiders literally burned most of Russia (and Moscow itself) to the ground. during this time Ivan accidentally killed his own son in a fit of rage, leaving his younger mentally ill son to take his place on the throne. he would prove to be a very unfit leader to clean up the mess his father left behind.

Ivan IV was a tragic figure. his parents died at a very young age, and some argue he never fully recovered from the illness that almost killed him. here in this picture we see him at the end of his life.

it is said that he died during a game of chess.