Early Life and Family Alexander Cozens (1717–1786) was born in Saint Petersburg, Russia—a fact often misrepresented as a result of popular legend that he was the illegitimate son of Emperor Peter I and Mary Davenport from Deptford. In reality, he was the son of Richard Cozens (1674–1735), who served as Peter I’s shipbuilder. The emperor acted as godfather to Alexander, demonstrating considerable paternal affection. He received his education in England from 1727, returning to Russia shortly thereafter. This formative period instilled in him a deep appreciation for classical learning and artis…