The work was commissioned by the Russian Museum, PJSC Gazprom, the Peterhof State Museum-Reserve, and the Ilya Repin St. Petersburg Academy of Arts. On November 22, 1696, a decree was issued that profoundly altered the course of Russian education and shocked the aristocracy. The order required that the sons of noble families be sent abroad “to various states to learn all sciences.” For the first time in Russian history, young men of distinguished lineage were not to be placed at court or attached to their fathers’ regiments, but sent “over the sea,” into foreign lands, to study with “alien” teachers. What made the decree revolutionary was its permanence: it did not prescribe a one-time initiative but established a regular, annual practice of sending noble youth abroad. Almost all were directed into the study of naval affairs, which Peter the Great considered paramount. The Tsar himself oversaw the program with extraordinary rigor, defying the protests of influential families. Attempts to bribe officials, secure exemptions, or protect sons from duty were met with his uncompromising resolve. Peter’s determination was severe. Most of the young nobles departed unwillingly, studied poorly, and squandered their time in frivolity. In 1706 the Tsar lamented in a letter that few among them, “forsaking diversions in company, would willingly listen to the roar of the sea.” Yet out of this often-reluctant group emerged remarkable midshipmen who later became admirals and captains of Russia’s first fleet. Upon their return, each student faced a decisive examination—conducted personally by the Tsar, who knew naval science intimately. It was an ordeal not all could endure: Peter was relentless with idlers and the inept, yet generous and gracious with the diligent. Sailor Ivan Nepluev recorded such an examination in 1720: “The Tsar arrived at the Admiralty at eight in the morning in a small carriage and, as he passed, greeted us: ‘Good health, lads.’ During the examination, he turned his right hand palm upward, offering it to be kissed, and said: ‘See, brother, I am the Tsar, yet I bear calluses on my hands—to set you an example, and to witness, even in my old age, worthy helpers and servants of our Fatherland.’ Kneeling, I kissed his hand repeatedly. He told me: ‘Rise, brother, and answer what you are asked. Do not be timid—if you know, say it; if not, admit it.’ Then, turning to [Rear Admiral] Zmaevich, he ordered him to question me. After my answers, he commanded: ‘Ask him of higher knowledge.’ When all was complete, the Tsar granted me the rank of lieutenant of the galley fleet.” Equally celebrated is the story of Denis Kalmykov, a young Kalmyk of humble birth, who studied brilliantly in England, passed Peter’s stern examination, and rose to become a rear admiral. Those who failed, however, were sent into the ranks as common sailors, burdened with years of service. There was no clemency in matters of state—the Tsar’s will was absolute.