Suchtelen P.K. (1751-1836), engineer

Categories / Architecture/Personalia
SUCHTELEN Peter Kornilovich (Jan Peter) (1751-1836), baron (1812), count (1822), military engineer, cartographer, diplomat, collector, engineer-general (1799), General Quartermaster (1801), honorary member of the St. Petersburg Academy of Sciences (1804). In 1783 enlisted into Russian service. Held the post of Inspector of the Engineering Department, member of the Military Collegium and the Department of Naval Communications (1798-1809), head of the Map Department (1802). Executed hydro-technical works at the North-Ekaterinensky Canal, Vyshnevolotsk water system, in Reval and St. Petersburg. Designed a number of fortresses. Reorganized His Imperial Majesty's Quartermaster Retinue (1801-02). Undertook measures for surveying Russia's territory and measuring of the 25° meridian arc. Founded the Conductors School in St. Petersburg (1804, which later became the Central Engineering School). In 1809-36 (interruptedly) appointed ambassador to Stockholm, contributed to the conclusion of the Russian-Swedish alliance against Emperor Napoleon (1812). In St. Petersburg lived in Mikhailovsky Palace. His library and collections were purchased by the treasury (which required a ship to transport them from Stockholm). Suchtelen's library (around 27,000 volumes) was incorporated into the Imperial Public Library, pictures and engravings were handed over to the State Hermitage, the Munz-Cabinette (collection of medals and regalia) were given to St. Petersburg Academy of Sciences.

Reference: Гузевич Д. Ю., Гузевич И. Д. Петр Корнилович фан Сухтелен // Невский архив: Ист.-краевед. сб. СПб., 2001. Вып. 5. С. 344-357.

D. Y. Guzevich, I. D. Guzevich. Napoleon I Bonaparte, Emperor
Suchtelen Peter Kornilovich (Jan Piter)
Гузевич Д. Ю., Гузевич И. Д. Петр Корнилович фан Сухтелен // Невский архив. СПб., 2001 Russian Academy of Sciences
Mikhailovsky Castle
Russian National Library
Hermitage
Hermitage