Portrait of Alexander Pushkin

Alexander Pushkin

1799 - 1837

Born in Moscow, Russian Empire

Alexander Sergeyevich Pushkin was a Russian poet, playwright, and novelist of the Romantic era. He is considered by many to be the greatest Russian poet and the founder of modern Russian literature. Pushkin was born into Russian nobility in Moscow. His father, Sergey Lvovich Pushkin, was descended from a distinguished family of the Russian nobility. Pushkin published his first poem at the age of 15, and was widely recognized by the literary establishment by the time of his graduation from the Tsarskoye Selo Lyceum. Pushkin's work is characterized by its exceptional beauty of language and its acceptance of aristocratic values. His writings, which draw heavily on his own experiences and the drama of his short and tragic life, encompass a wide range of political, historical, and amorous themes. He died in a duel defending his wife's honor at the age of 37.

Inspiration is needed in geometry, just as much as in poetry.

Timeline

1799

Born in Moscow, Russian Empire

1811

Entered the Imperial Lyceum at Tsarskoye Selo

1817

Graduated from the Lyceum and began working in the Collegium of Foreign Affairs

1820

Published his first long poem "Ruslan and Ludmila"

1820

Exiled to the south of Russia due to his political poems

1824

Dismissed from government service and exiled to his mother's estate

1826

Pardoned by Tsar Nicholas I

1831

Married Natalia Goncharova

1833

Completed "Eugene Onegin"

1837

Mortally wounded in a duel with Georges d'Anthès

1837

Died in St. Petersburg at the age of 37

Notable Quote

Inspiration is needed in geometry, just as much as in poetry.

Alexander Pushkin

Influences

  • Lord Byron
  • Voltaire
  • Shakespeare
  • Russian folklore
  • European Romanticism

Achievements

  • Considered the founder of modern Russian literature
  • His works have been translated into all major languages
  • Commemorated with numerous monuments throughout Russia
  • The Pushkin Prize and the Pushkin Medal were established in his honor