The dramatic fate of Princess Tenisheva

June 1 (old style – May 20) marks the 150th anniversary of the birth of an outstanding woman whose contribution to the development of Russian culture can hardly be overestimated. Princess Maria Tenisheva was a collector, philanthropist, public figure and enamel artist. Turgenev regretted not having time to write a story about her, she posed for Repin, Serov, Korovin and Vrubel. Contemporaries called her “the heroine of our time” and “the pride of all of Russia,” and today, her name is hardly known to the majority and undeservedly forgotten. Continue reading →