Pushkin Alexander Sergeevich

In short: a charming, ambitious and calculating person with a bright charisma. He combined external courtesy with toughness and readiness to go to the goal, which eventually led to tragic consequences in his clash with Pushkin.

Key features: Charm and charm. He had an innate ability to please people at first sight. He easily won sympathy in the high society of St. Petersburg - this was helped by his attractive appearance, ease of communication and French charm. Ambition. He strove for success and a career. He used the patronage of Baron Louis Heckern to gain a foothold in Russia and advance in his career.

Prudence. He acted thoughtfully, knew how to build connections and take advantage of circumstances. Later, this manifested itself in his political career in France.

Self-confidence and audacity. He was not afraid to take risks and go into conflict if it was in his interests. He openly courted Natalia Goncharova, despite Pushkin's reaction. Ability to adapt. He quickly got used to Russian high society, although he did not know Russian well: French prevailed in secular circles at that time.

Fate. He liked to boast of his successes with women, gave the impression of a womanizer. Contemporaries noted his penchant for ostentatious behavior.

Discipline (relative). As an officer, he was distinguished by insufficient discipline and weak front-line skills, but he knew how to make a favorable impression on his superiors and society. Practicalism. After being expelled from Russia, he managed to build a successful political career in France: he became a senator under Napoleon III, was engaged in business, and achieved material well-being.

Cynicism (in later years). According to testimonies, he did not feel deep remorse because of the duel with Pushkin and even believed that it was she who opened the way for him to a brilliant career.

Connections and patronage. He relied on the support of influential people (Heckern, Prince Wilhelm of Prussia), which helped him overcome difficulties and move forward. Energetic and enterprising.

In short: a stately, attractive man with a bright appearance - his charm and manners helped to win sympathy in the high society of St. Petersburg.

Main features Height and physique. Tall, slender, fit, with a military bearing. Contemporaries noted his stateliness ("stately, handsome, twenty years old...").

Face. Correct, clear features; open, disposing.

Eyes. Clear, lively, with a lively, confident look - they knew how to charm their interlocutors.

Nose. Straight, neat.

Lips. Thin or medium fullness, often with a slight smile; The expression of the face is playful, self-confident.

Hair. Light (blond or light blond), neatly combed according to the fashion of the era. Usually combed back or with a side parting.

Leather. Bright, well-groomed, without flaws.

Beard/mustache. Clean-shaven in his youth; he did not wear a mustache (unlike many officers of that time).

Manners and posture. He carried himself confidently, with a slight charm; movements are free, unconstrained. Military bearing was combined with French lightness and liveliness. Clothes. He dressed tastefully, followed secular fashion. In St. Petersburg, he wore the officer's uniform of the Cavalry Guards Regiment - this emphasized his status and attractiveness.

General impression. A bright, charming young man with a "French" charm: wit, liveliness and external attractiveness helped him quickly win sympathy in St. Petersburg society.

Additions according to the testimonies of contemporaries Prince Alexander Trubetskoy described Dantes as "a stately, handsome young man of about twenty", noting his wit and cheerfulness.

His appearance and manners made a strong impression on St. Petersburg society - thanks to them, as well as the patronage of Baron Heckern, Dantes quickly entered high society.

Contemporaries emphasized that Dantes knew how to be liked: his charm affected both men and women, which largely determined his secular career in Russia.

In short: a tough, strong-willed and disciplined ruler of conservative views. He considered autocracy to be the only true form of government and saw his mission in serving the state.

Key features Conservatism and adherence to autocracy. He is convinced of the unlimited power of monarchy and its ability to ensure the welfare of his subjects. He called himself "the first servant of his state." Discipline and hard work. He worked until 6 p.m. a day, personally delved into all significant matters, and supervised the implementation of major projects.

Military orientation. Since childhood, he was fond of military affairs, appreciated order, clear hierarchy and diligence. In governing the country, he used paramilitary methods.

Determination and personal bravery. He personally calmed the crowd during the cholera riot of 1831 on Sennaya Square, showed courage during the fire of the Winter Palace in 1837. Pragmatism in reforms. He strove to streamline management: he initiated the codification of laws (the code of laws of the Russian Empire under the leadership of Speransky), supported the development of infrastructure (the construction of railways, including Tsarskoye Selo and Nikolaevskaya).

Toughness in suppressing dissent. He established the Third Department of His Imperial Majesty's Own Chancellery (a body of political investigation) and a corps of gendarmes. He introduced strict censorship statutes (1826, 1828). Centralization of power. He strengthened the bureaucratic apparatus and promoted the military to key posts (in the early 1840s, 10 out of 13 ministers were generals).

A sense of duty and unpretentiousness in everyday life. He slept on a camp bed, covered himself with an overcoat, preferred simple food, and almost did not drink alcohol.

Diplomacy in foreign policy. He sought to maintain the balance of power in Europe, followed the principles of the Holy Alliance, and sought favorable conditions for Russia (including in the Black Sea straits).

Patriotism and faith in the special path of Russia. He considered it important to preserve the estate system and strengthen the position of the nobility; He pursued a policy of Russification in the national outskirts.

In short: a tall, stately, fit man with a military bearing and a memorable look. His appearance embodied the image of the "emperor-soldier".

Main features of Growth. Tall (over 180 cm) - stood out in the crowd.

Physique. Lean, athletically built, with a wide chest and long arms. He was distinguished by physical strength and endurance.

Posture and gait. Military bearing, straight back, confident gait. Movements are restrained, without haste or arrogance; they read "genuine strictness" (according to the memoirs of contemporaries). Face. Oblong, clean, with an open forehead.

Forehead. High, open.

Nose. Roman (straight, with a slight hump).

Mouth. Of moderate size, tightly compressed lips emphasized composure and discipline.

Eyes. Light, often described as bright blue; The look is heavy, searching, "hypnotizing" - few people have endured it for long. In a private setting, he could be soft and charming.

Hair. In their youth, they were light, golden-blond; With age, they turned gray. The hairstyle is strict, neat, without frills. Sideburns. Small, neatly trimmed.

Mustache. Light, tips slightly curved upwards.

Leather. Fresh, with blush; evidence of good health and a moderate lifestyle.

Voice. He was sonorous, close to the tenor, but spoke somewhat quickly.

Clothes. Almost always in military uniform - this became the hallmark of Nicholas I. The uniform fit flawlessly, emphasizing the slenderness of the figure and status. A characteristic gesture in the portraits: the thumb of the left hand is behind the side of the uniform or behind the belt, the rest of the fingers are bent. Additions: according to contemporaries , Catherine II called the young Nicholas a "hero".

The portraits (especially by Franz Krüger and Yegor Botman) enshrine the canonical image: austere, collected, with a three-quarter turn of the head — this angle became the hallmark of the emperor.

Contemporaries noted his "iron health" and physical superiority: he looked stronger and more durable than many army officers.

In short: a charming, intelligent and active society lady with a strong character. She combined the sophistication of high society with practical acumen and charitable activity.

Key features: Charm and charm. She had an attractive smile and manners, she knew how to charm her interlocutors. Her charm was noted by her contemporaries, including Pushkin - he was carried away by Vorontsova during the period of southern exile (1823-1824). Intelligence. She received a brilliant home education, was interested in literature and art. In its salon, Pushkin read his works.

Organizational skills. She organized musical evenings and amateur performances, was the soul of high society. She actively participated in the design of the Alupka Palace - the summer residence of the Vorontsovs in the Crimea.

Artistic taste. She created gardens in the style of famous European models (for example, she reproduced the Generalife gardens in Alupka after a trip to Spain). Charity and patronage. Together with her husband, she supported talented artists, architects, collected works of art, and helped those in need.

Fortitude and fortitude. She survived a family drama (tense relations with her husband due to rumors about the birth of a daughter not from him), but retained her dignity and activity in public life.

Hospitality. In Alupka, she organized luxurious balls and receptions, which were attended by aristocrats, officials and entrepreneurs. In 1837, she hosted Emperor Nicholas I with his family. Devotion to family. Despite the difficulties in marriage, she remained close to her husband, accompanied him on trips and at work (including during his vicegerency in the Caucasus in the 1840s).

Tactfulness and diplomacy. She was able to smooth out conflicts and maintain ties with different circles of society, while maintaining her reputation.

Energy and love of life. Even in adulthood, she led an active social life, outlived her husband by 34 years and remained a prominent figure in society until the end

In short: an attractive woman with a special charm and grace. She was not considered a classic beauty, but charmed with her manners, smile and look.

Main features of Growth. Small stature (according to Sollogub).

Face. The features are somewhat large and irregular, but expressive.

Eyes. Small, gentle, fast and affectionate - "pierced through" (according to Vigel).

Smile. Extraordinary, attractive: contemporaries wrote that she "calls for kisses" (Vigel). Leather. Fresh, youthful, well-groomed.

Figure. Slender, elegant, retained the lightness and mobility of movements.

Manners and posture. She was distinguished by innate grace, affability and panache. Her whole being breathed femininity and charm.

Style and image. She dressed tastefully, followed fashion, and knew how to emphasize her virtues. In society, she always looked impeccable - this increased her attractiveness. General impression. One of the most attractive women of her time: charm and softness compensated for the lack of canonical beauty. Even at the age of 60, according to Sollogub's recollections, she knew how to turn heads.

According to the testimonies of contemporaries , Vigel noted that at the age of 30 she looked very young: "she had the right to seem still young", retained the youth of soul and appearance. She combined Polish frivolity and coquetry with Russian hospitality and warmth.

Pushkin was fascinated by her appearance and dedicated a number of poems to Vorontsova ("Talisman", "Protect me, my talisman...", "Burnt letter", etc.). He also left many portrait sketches of her.

Contemporaries emphasized that her charm came from within: softness, affability and feminine grace made her irresistible, despite the irregularity of her features.

In short: a noble, principled and sympathetic person with strong convictions. Having gone through hard labor and exile, he retained kindness, a sense of justice and loyalty to friends.

Key features Civic position and adherence to principles. He participated in the Decembrist movement, consciously chose the path of struggle for change. He refused to flee Russia after the uprising of 1825 so as not to abandon his comrades. A sense of duty and justice. Even before his arrest, he chose the "non-prestigious" position of judge of the Moscow Court of Appeal, wishing to ennoble this service and serve society.

Kindness and responsiveness. In Siberia, he helped the needy, supported the sick and the families of the Decembrists. He often distributed all the money to those who asked, remaining without funds.

Organizational skills. In exile, he was the keeper of the "artel economy" of the Decembrists: he managed the common money, kept order and mutual assistance in the colony. Loyalty to friendship. He kept in touch with his comrades in exile and after it, maintained correspondence. He visited Pushkin in exile in Mikhailovskoye (1824), despite the risks. He wrote "Notes on Pushkin" - a valuable source about the poet.

Resilience and optimism. Despite 20 years of hard labor and exile, he did not become embittered, did not lose faith in people and the ideals of youth. Contemporaries noted his warmth.

Modesty. He did not seek fame or privileges. He lived simply, putting the interests of others above his own.

Responsibility. Even in the difficult conditions of Siberia, he was active: he was engaged in translations, wrote articles for newspapers, and took care of the education of local residents.

Family reliability. In his declining years, he married Natalia Dmitrievna Fonvizina (1857) and found family happiness, becoming a support for his wife and her children.

Intellectual activity. After returning from exile (1856), he continued to comprehend his experiences: he worked on memoirs, met with lyceum friends, participated in the affairs of the "Small Artel" of the Decembrists.

In short: a stately, personable man with a noble posture and calm, confident manners. Even after hard labor and exile, he retained dignity and inner strength, which were read in his appearance.

Main features Height and physique. Tall, strong, fit. He retained his military bearing, despite years of trials and deprivations.

Face. Open, with regular features; in adulthood - with noticeable traces of experience: wrinkles on the forehead and near the eyes, which gave depth and wisdom to the appearance. Broad, tall - emphasized intellectuality and prudence.

Eyes. Light (gray or gray-blue), clear, with a kind, attentive look; expression – calm, benevolent.

Nose. Straight, classic shape.

Lips. Thin to medium fullness, often with a soft smile; in moments of thought, tightly compressed.

Hair. In their youth, they were blond; With age, he turned gray. The haircut is simple, neat, without pretensions. Beard/mustache. During the period of exile and after it, he wore a beard - this was typical for the exiled Decembrists and emphasized their maturity and experience.

Leather. Slightly dark, weathered - traces of long years of life in Siberia, walks in the fresh air.

General impression. A noble, calm, reliable person. Contemporaries noted his "kind heart" and "straightforwardness", which was reflected in his demeanor and facial expression.

Clothes. He preferred a strict, modest style: in exile - simple civilian clothes, after returning - a suit or uniform (if circumstances allowed). He is always neat and neat. Additions according to the testimonies of contemporaries After 20 years of hard labor and exile (including in the Chita prison and the Petrovsky plant), the appearance of Pushchin became more severe, but did not lose its nobility.

He retained the same goodwill and warmth for which he was appreciated back in the lyceum. Friends noted that he "did not become embittered" and remained "the same Jeannot" - with good humor and sympathy. In his later years (after 1856, when he received permission to return to European Russia) he looked tired, but cheerful in spirit.

Good nature and sense of humor. His friends nicknamed him "Jeannot". He was distinguished by self-irony and knew how to cheer up those around him.

Reliability and loyalty. He became one of Pushkin's closest friends; later the poet dedicated the lines to him: "My first friend, my priceless friend...". He helped Pushkin to establish relations with the team.

Responsibility and diligence. He was a capable and conscientious student, studied diligently, although he did not have outstanding talents.

Interest in science. He was especially fond of history, economics and the state structure of different countries. Sociability. He easily found a common language with others, a skill developed in the large family where he grew up.

The ability to appreciate someone else's talent. He was one of the first to see Pushkin's huge poetic gift and sincerely supported it.

Principles and civic position. While still at the lyceum, he joined the "Sacred Artel" - the pre-Decembrist society, which spoke of his love of freedom and interest in social issues.

Straightforwardness and nobility. He behaved openly and honestly, was not inclined to intrigue; He was respected for his sincerity and inner decency. Discipline. He observed the Lyceum rules, combining this with internal independence of judgment.

Love of life. He remained optimistic and cheerful, knew how to combine the seriousness of classes with friendly jokes and communication.

Result: young Pushchin is a good-natured, reliable and intelligent young man with clear moral guidelines. He was distinguished by sincerity, a sense of humor and the ability to support friends - qualities that determined his role in the circle of lyceum students and laid the foundation for his further civic position

Height: above average, handsome - stood out among his peers.

Physique: strong, athletic, with good posture; He was engaged in physical exercises, was enduring.

Face: open, with regular and expressive features.

The forehead: high, wide - emphasized the intellectuality of the appearance.

Eyes: light (gray or gray-blue), clear, with a direct and calm gaze.

Nose: straight, classic shape.

Lips: clear line, often with a benevolent smile. Hair: light blonde or blond, usually neatly combed; In the lyceum years - without sideburns, the haircut is simple, strict, in accordance with the rules of the institution.

General impression: prepossessing, trustworthy; Contemporaries noted his nobility, calmness and inner confidence.

Manners and posture: restrained, noble, with a touch of innate manners; He kept himself upright, moved confidently.

Additions according to the testimonies of contemporaries and lyceum memoirs: In the Tsarskoye Selo Lyceum, Pushchin was known as one of the most prominent and representative young men. He was respected for his directness and nobility - this was also read in his appearance.

His friends (including Pushkin) appreciated him for his reliability and warmth, which was reflected in his benevolent expression and open gaze.

Strict lyceum regulations dictated uniformity in clothing: uniform, tie, neat hairstyle - Pushchin followed the rules, emphasizing discipline and inner composure.

In short: a firm, principled and courageous officer with a keen sense of duty. He combined military discipline with internal independence, but all his life he was tormented by a sense of guilt because of his participation in Pushkin's duel.

Key features Courage and bravery. He proved himself a brave officer in the Caucasus and in the Russo-Turkish War (1828–1829): he participated in heavy battles, was seriously wounded near Brailov. The Decembrist N. Lorer noted his exceptional bravery. Directness and independence. He did not know how to get along with his superiors, which is why he often faced difficulties in the service. He refused "warm" staff positions, preferring real service.

Loyalty to duty and friendship. Despite the risk, he agreed to be Pushkin's second in 1837. After the duel, he remained by the poet's side until his death and told the terrible news to Natalia Goncharova.

Guilt and mental anguish. Until the end of his life, he could not forgive himself for not preventing the death of Pushkin. He kept a talisman ring presented by the poet, and deeply felt his role in the tragedy. Modesty and unpretentiousness. He did not strive for wealth and career. He retired as a major general in the early 1850s, without making a fortune - he lived on retirement, without family and luxury.

Discipline and responsibility. In his official activities, he was distinguished by conscientiousness and diligence. In the attestation, "good mental abilities", "noble morality" and "modesty in everyday life" were noted.

Isolation in later years. After 1837, he became more withdrawn and depressed. Loneliness intensified in old age: he never created a family, was left without loved ones. Honesty and integrity. He always acted according to his conscience, even if it went against the interests of his career. He preferred to serve "in the field" rather than in the headquarters, and did not compromise with his conscience.

As a result, in his mature years, Danzas is a battle-hardened officer with strong moral principles. His personality was determined by courage, loyalty to duty and honesty, but the shadow of the duel with Pushkin fell on the rest of his life, making him more withdrawn and thoughtful.

In short: a strong, fit military man with a stern, courageous appearance. Traces of wounds and years of service left an imprint on the appearance, giving it severity and severity.

Main features Height and physique. Tall, strong, athletically built. He retained a military bearing even in adulthood.

Face. Large, with pronounced cheekbones, strong-willed features; a little rough, but open. Scar and consequences of the wound. In the Turkish War (1828) he was seriously wounded in the left shoulder with a crushing of the shoulder blade. Until the end of his life, he sometimes wore his hand in a sling - this became a noticeable detail of his appearance.

Eyes. Gray or gray-blue, intent, with a firm, direct gaze. The expression is calm, concentrated, sometimes tired.

Nose. Large, straight, "Roman" type.

Lips. Thin, tightly compressed - emphasized restraint and internal discipline. Hair. In their youth, they were reddish, later darkened ("dark brown", according to Engelhardt); Saddles with age, the haircut is always short, military.

Beard/mustache. He wore a mustache typical of an officer of the XIX century; He did not wear a beard.

Leather. Swarthy, weathered - traces of long campaigns and service in the Caucasus.

General impression. A harsh, courageous, battle-hardened officer. Contemporaries noted his "bravery" and "iron will" - these qualities were also read in his appearance. Clothes. He was always in a military uniform (even after his retirement he often appeared in a uniform), neat and neat; insignia and awards (including a golden sword for bravery, the St. George Cross) emphasized the battle path.

Additions according to the testimonies of contemporaries After being wounded near Brailov (1828), his appearance became even more severe; his colleagues respected Danzas and called him "Brave Danzas". The Decembrist Nikolai Lorer remembered him as a desperate brave: Danzas did not hesitate to carry out dangerous assignments, even under enemy fire.

In his mature years, especially after Pushkin's duel (1837), traces of emotional experiences appeared on his face: contemporaries noted his depression, "eyes wet with tears" in the days of farewell to the poet.

In short: Danzas was a straightforward, wayward young man with creative inclinations, but without much diligence in his studies. For his unhurriedness and clumsiness, his comrades nicknamed him "The Bear", but his outward rudeness concealed devotion to friends.

Key features Negligence in study. Success was given only with the constant control of mentors. Teachers noted his laziness and lack of zeal for classes.

Rough directness. He could respond sharply to ridicule, sometimes threatened physical violence - because of this, they tried not to mess with him. Nickname "Bear". It has become entrenched due to its slowness, massiveness and some clumsiness; in the lyceum song they sang about him: "He was a bear, but a cute bear."

Creative interests. He was fond of literature and fine arts. In 1815, he began to publish the handwritten magazine "Lyceum Sage": he collected materials from his friends, edited them and carefully copied them in his beautiful calligraphic handwriting.

Organizational skills. He acted not only as the publisher of the magazine, but also as a critic: sometimes he reproached the lyceum students for the lack of articles sent. Loyalty to friendship. Despite his difficult temper, he knew how to maintain comradely ties; later this manifested itself in his readiness to help Pushkin (becoming his second in the duel).

Discipline with reservations. He followed the rules when it was necessary, but he was not afraid to go against the grain if he considered the demands unfair.

Practical mindset. He was less interested in abstract theories, more interested in real affairs and communication; He gravitated towards military service, which determined his path after the lyceum. Sense of humor. He retained the ability to self-irony and jokes, although outwardly he seemed harsh.

As a result, young Danzas is a "bear cub" with a strong character: not a brilliant student, but a reliable comrade and a person with creative inclinations. His straightforwardness and inner honesty largely predetermined his further actions, including participation in events related to Pushkin.

In short: a strong, fit young man with a military bearing and a noticeable severity of appearance - even then a future officer was guessed in him.

Main features Height and physique. Above average height, strong, muscular, with a good military posture. He was distinguished by physical strength and endurance.

Face. Correct, clear features; a broad, open face with pronounced cheekbones.

Forehead. Broad, tall - testified to intelligence and prudence. Nose. Straight, large, classic shape.

Lips. Thin, tightly compressed - emphasized a strong-willed character and restraint.

Hair. Dark blond or chestnut, cut short in military fashion; The hairstyle is strict, without frills.

Leather. Swarthy or tanned - probably due to frequent walks and outdoor activities.

Manners and posture. He kept straight, moved confidently, with a noticeable military bearing. Even in the lyceum years, discipline and composure were read in his appearance. General impression. He inspired respect: he looked serious, reliable, a little harsh. Contemporaries noted his "officer's status" even before graduation.

Additions according to contemporaries In the lyceum, Danzas stood out among his comrades for his physical strength and love for active activities - fencing, gymnastics, walking.

He wore his uniform neatly, took care of his appearance - this corresponded to his inner makeup: order, discipline, responsibility. Despite his outward severity, he was a loyal friend (which he confirmed later, becoming Pushkin's second in a duel), but there was never frivolity or relaxation in his appearance - only composure and dignity

Natalia Nikolaevna Goncharova combined rare beauty with natural modesty, good manners and inner strength. Her image was often simplified to "Pushkin's beautiful wife", but the personality was deeper.

Key features Modesty and restraint. She was distinguished by natural modesty, did not like to stick herself out. In high society, at first, she seemed somewhat shy and awkward (which was noted by contemporaries, for example, the poet Vasily Tumansky). Naturalness. There was no affectation and artificiality in her behavior, which distinguished her from many society ladies. Pushkin appreciated this and wrote that she was "charming not only in appearance."

Good manners and education. She received an excellent home education: she was fluent in French, German and English, versed in literature, history, geography; She knew how to play the piano, dance, and ride a horse.

Tactfulness and diplomacy. She knew how to smooth out conflicts - including between Pushkin and his mother-in-law, which is why the wedding was postponed for a long time. Devotion to family. She was a caring wife and mother (she gave birth to four children to Pushkin), she tried to maintain home comfort even in the face of financial difficulties.

Inner resilience. She survived the tragic death of Pushkin, departure from social life, years of solitude in the village, and later remarriage. In her second marriage to General Lanskoy, she proved to be a good housewife and mother (she gave birth to three more children and helped raise children from her first marriage). A sense of duty. She was responsible for the preservation of Pushkin's legacy: she saved his letters, diaries and drafts, thanks to which a significant part of his correspondence has come down to us.

Kindness and responsiveness. Together with Lanskoy, she helped people who fell out of favor with the authorities; largely thanks to their intervention, the writer Mikhail Saltykov-Shchedrin was released from exile. Natalia Goncharova is not just "the first beauty of Moscow", but a woman with a strong character, who combined modesty and tact with inner fortitude and a sense of duty.

In her youth, Natalia Nikolaevna Goncharova was distinguished by a slender figure and graceful posture. Contemporaries described her as a tall, stately girl with porcelain skin and a "provocative twinkle" in her eyes. Her appearance combined natural charm and natural attractiveness - the absence of affectation and artificiality in manners enhanced her charm. Features of appearance Hair and hairstyle. In the portraits, Goncharova is depicted with neatly styled hair, corresponding to the fashion of the era. Eyes. Natalia had a slight strabismus (divergent strabismus), which made her eyes seem a little asymmetrical. This feature was often hidden in portraits - artists depicted it in a half-profile or with a lowered gaze. Pushkin affectionately called his wife "my oblique Madonna". Nose and lips. According to the reconstruction of the appearance using AI, the nose was thin, the lips were small. The oval of the face. Elongated. Perception by contemporaries Some called Goncharova a "soulless beauty", others compared her to the Madonna. Doctor and memoirist Stanisław Morawski noted: "The face was extremely beautiful, but I was always struck by some flaw in it, as if with a fist. In the end, I realized that, unlike most human faces, her eyes, very beautiful and very large, were placed so close to each other that they contradicted the drawing rule: one eye should be separated from the other by the measure of the whole eye." Despite her physical disability, Goncharova had a strong personal charm, which attracted many fans. In his letters, Pushkin praised not only the appearance, but also the character of his wife, calling her "a charm not only in appearance."

Deep inner freedom. He retained free thought and independence of judgment, although after the Decembrist uprising he was under supervision and had a personal censor (Emperor Nicholas I).

Responsibility and the desire for stability. In the 1830s, he was looking for "peace and freedom": he wanted to create a strong family hearth (marriage to Natalia Goncharova), focus on creativity and put things in order. Creative maturity. He moved from romanticism to realism, deepened the theme of his works. The period of "Boldino Autumn" (1830) is the peak of creative productivity: "Belkin's Tales", "Little Tragedies", the completion of "Eugene Onegin".

Historical awareness. He became interested in the study of Russian history, worked on "The History of Pugachev" (1833), studied the archives and traveled to the places of the uprising.

Entrepreneurial attempts. He tried to establish publishing activities - he founded the magazine "Sovremennik" (1836), but did not achieve financial stability. Financial difficulties and stress. He constantly experienced financial difficulties, was in debt (by 1837 the debt reached 136 thousand rubles), which increased stress.

Temper and a heightened sense of honor. He participated in numerous duels (about 30 challenges in his life). He defended the honor of the family - this led to a fatal duel with Dantes in 1837.

Emotional depth and reflection. In his later years, philosophical motifs, reflections on fate, glory, creativity and responsibility intensified in his work ("I have erected a monument to myself not made by hands...", 1836). Devotion to family. He loved his wife and children, tried to provide them with a future, despite the difficult relationship with his mother-in-law and the pressure of high society.

Charm and intellectual charisma. He retained wit and eloquence, knew how to charm his interlocutors, appreciated friendship and the support of relatives (for example, correspondence with P. A. Vyazemsky).

Height: about 166-167 cm - below average by the standards of the XIX century.

Physique: thin, wiry, agile and energetic ("like mercury", according to contemporaries). Mature years: charisma and recognizable image

Over time, Pushkin's appearance became part of his charm and recognizable appearance:

Energy and liveliness. Mobility, expressive facial expressions, glowing eyes and fast speech made him the center of attention in the company. Contemporaries noted that he "illuminated everything around him."

Curls and sideburns. Thick dark curls and lush sideburns became Pushkin's hallmark. This image emphasized his creative nature and distinguished him from others. Intellectual charm. Over time, people around him increasingly appreciated not his appearance, but the intelligence, wit, erudition and talent of Pushkin. His appearance began to be perceived as "poetic", corresponding to genius.

Respect in the circle of friends. Close friends (for example, Anton Delvig, Wilhelm Küchelbecker) valued him for his spiritual qualities and talent, and not for his appearance. In friendly circles, he felt free and was loved for his warmth and sincerity.

Interaction with society and womenSecular society. In high society, Pushkin did not always fit into the standards of an "ideal cavalier", but his wit and talent opened doors. He knew how to charm his interlocutors, despite his height and non-standard appearance.

Courtship and romances. Pushkin was popular with women who appreciated his passion, eloquence and poetic gift. For example, his courtship of Natalia Goncharova was crowned with marriage, and his contemporaries (including Anna Olenina) noted his charm.

Skin: swarthy - reminiscent of African roots on the line of Abram Hannibal's great-grandfather.

Hair: dark, slightly curly or curly, often disheveled.

Sideburns: lush, long, which have become a recognizable part of the image.

Face: asymmetrical, with slight irregularity of features.

Forehead: high, open.

Nose: slightly wide.

Lips: full, expressive.

Eyes: light blue or gray, lively, penetrating, with "magnetism

In his youth, Alexander Pushkin was short (about 166 centimeters), thin, with expressive facial features. He had fair skin that easily tanned and burned in the sun, and sky-blue or gray eyes. His hair is dark, thick, curly, inherited from his great-grandfather, the African Abram Hannibal. The face was distinguished by asymmetry: a slightly wide nose, full lips, a high forehead. Contemporaries noted his mobility, energy and expressive facial expressions. As a child, he was called "Arapchik" because of his African features. In his youth, the poet did not yet wear sideburns, which appeared later. Pushkin himself was ironic about his appearance and in his lyceum years he wrote a poem in French "Mon Portrait" ("My Portrait"), where he compared himself to a monkey. Pushkin's appearance influenced his relationship with others ambiguously - it could cause both ridicule and lively interest, and over time it became part of his recognizable image. Let's take a closer look. In youth: ridicule and complexes. African features. Because of his swarthy skin tone, curly hair and broad facial features, Pushkin was sometimes teased as an "arapchik" or "monkey" in his childhood and youth. These nicknames offended the poet: he ironically played with them in self-portraits and poems (for example, in the youthful French poem Mon Portrait). Height and complexion. Pushkin was short (about 166 cm) and thin. In high society, where stateliness and posture were valued, this could work against him at first, especially among those who judged by first impressions. Uncertainty. In his young years, the poet was sensitive to his appearance, which sometimes affected communication: he could be harsh or sarcastic in response to ridicule.

A gifted poet. He showed literary talent early: already at the Lyceum he wrote poems, epigrams, plays. At the age of 15, he impressed Derzhavin by reading "Memoirs in Tsarskoye Selo" (1815), his first publications appeared in 1814. He immersed himself deeply in reading and creativity, he could spend hours in the library, forgetting about the schedule. Freedom-loving. He absorbed the ideas of freedom and freethinking; this was reflected in his poems ("Liberty", "To Chaadaev", etc.). Emotional and hot-tempered. He could react sharply to remarks, enter into disputes and conflicts with his comrades, but at the same time he valued friendship. Attached to friends. In the lyceum, close ties were established with I. Pushchin, A. Delvig, V. Küchelbecker - friendship became one of the central themes of his early lyrics. Witty and ironic. He loved to compose epigrams, noticed the weaknesses of others, knew how to laugh at himself. He brilliantly showed himself in literature, history, languages, but with difficulty mastered the exact sciences (mathematics, logic), often did not show perseverance. Inquisitive and erudite. He knew French literature well, was interested in Russian literature and history, absorbed impressions from literary salons. Lively and sociable. He participated in lyceum circles and disputes, easily got along with people, loved social life and communication. Result: young Pushkin is a bright, temperamental, internally free teenager with a pronounced literary gift, who combined wit and emotionality with a deep affection for friends and a passion for poetry.