Gavriil Romanovich
Derzhavin
1743-1816
Gavriil Romanovich Derzhavin was a prominent Russian poet, statesman, and language reformer of the Enlightenment period. He was born in a family of impoverished noblemen in the village of Sokury, in the Kazan governorate. After receiving his education in Kazan and Orenburg, he joined the military and later became a statesman. In 1762, Derzhavin joined the Preobrazhensky Regiment, where he started his military career, progressing from private to officer. His involvement in the suppression of the Pugachev rebellion (1773-1775) led to his promotion. After that, he held several key government positions, including Governor of Olonets and Tambov, Secretary of State under Catherine II, Senator, and Minister of Justice in the Russian Empire (1802-1803). Derzhavin’s literary talent was shaped by the works of Mikhail Lomonosov, Alexander Sumarokov, and Vasily Trediakovsky when he was young. His ode “Felica”, written in 1783 in honour of Catherine II, brought him widespread recognition. The ode praised the Empress’s personal virtues and wisdom, earning him the attention of the court and the favour of the Empress. In 1791, he wrote the poem “Thunder of Victory”, which became Russia’s first unofficial anthem. Other notable works include the philosophical ode “God” (1784), the satirical “Nobleman”, the magnificent “Waterfall”, and the soulful poem “River of Time in Its Striving…” (1816), as well as tales, comedies, and tragedies. Derzhavin was a reformer of the Russian literary language, blending high bookishness with the liveliness of folk speech. His style was characterized by expressiveness, vibrant metaphors, and sharp satire. He significantly influenced the development of Russian poetry and became one of the precursors of Alexander Pushkin. His contributions to literary theory were also significant: Derzhavin participated in the compilation of “A Discourse on Lyric Poetry or Ode”, in which he argued for the fundamental principles of the genre. In 1811, he initiated the establishment of the literary group “Conversation of Lovers of the Russian Word”, which brought together conservatively-minded writers opposed to Nikolai Karamzin’s language reforms. This circle became an important stage in the development of the Russian literary process. After his retirement in 1803, the poet withdrew from public affairs and devoted the rest of his life to literature and the management of his estate, Zvanka, located in the Novgorod governorate. Here, he engaged in writing, maintained extensive correspondence, and hosted guests. In memory of the great poet and statesman, a monument was erected in Moscow.
Address: Moscow, 1st Ostankinskaya St., 5, building 3
