Bezborodko A.A. (1747-1799), statesman

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BEZBORODKO Alexander Andreevich (1747-1799, St Petersburg), Serene High Prince (1797), statesman, State Chancellor (1797). From 1765, he served at the Chancellery of the Governor-General of Malorussia (Left-Bank Ukraine), took part in the Russo-Turkish War of 1768-74 (Secretary of P.A. Rumyantsev); in 1775-96, he was Empress Catherine II's Private Secretary, and a reporter on domestic affairs. From 1780, he was a member of the Collegium for Foreign Affairs; from 1786, he was a member of the Council of the Imperial Court, determining many foreign policy cases for Russia. Author of all Imperial proclamations from 1776 until 1792, and of about 400 inscribed edicts to the Senate. After Emperor Pavel I ascended to the throne, he retained his posts and authority. Thanks to various Imperial grants, he became one of the largest land and property owners in Russia by the end of the 18th century (owning over 20,000 peasants). He developed an extensive collection of paintings and other art objects. In St. Petersburg he owned a palace (7 Pochtamtskaya Street, mid-18th century; rebuilt in 1783-95, architect G. Quarenghi) and a summer residence (see Mansion of Kushelev-Bezborodko). He was buried in the Blagoveschenskaya Burial Vault at the Alexander Nevsky Lavra (tombstone by sculptor J. D. Rachette; architect N.A. Lvov). Until 1918, Kondratievsky Avenue was called Bezborodkinsky Avenue.

References: Григорович Н. И. Канцлер князь Александр Андреевич Безбородко в связи с событиями его времени: В 2 т. СПб., 1879-1881.

D. N. Shilov. Bezborodko Alexander Andreevich
Catherine II, Empress
Lvov Nikolay Alexandrovich
Paul (Pavel) I, Emperor
Quarenghi Giacomo
Rachette Jean-Dominique
Rumyantsev Peter Alexandrovich, Count
Pochtamtskaya St./Saint Petersburg, city, house 7
Григорович Н. И. Канцлер князь Александр Андреевич Безбородко в связи с событиями его времени: В 2 т. СПб., 1879-1881 Senate
Blagoveschenskaya (Holy Annunciation) Burial Vault