Biography Tarakanova Augusta Matveyevna

Tarakanov August Matveevna (a monk Dosifeya) (about 1745 – 04.02.1810) – the alleged daughter of the Empress Elizabeth of morganatic marriage of the Count Alexei Razumovsky, born about 1745, where it was – is unknown. As a child (when it is – remains unknown, too) was sent abroad, it seems to Italy, where she received her education and where she remained until 1785, when, at the behest of the Empress Catherine II, Russia was brought in and parked at the residence in Moscow Ivanovo Monastery that under the decree of 1701 was intended for charity for widows and orphans noble and distinguished people. " There she was tonsured. At its contents dispensed from the Treasury a considerable sum, and from time to time in its name "from persons unknown" to the monastery cash to make major financial contributions that the nun gave to decorate the monastery church, the distribution of the poor and destitute. On orders from above, with her no one could see and talk to except the Mother Superior, the confessor and the special clerk. It had a separate table, rich and elegant, she set aside special places for walks, even church services happening to her alone. Thus she lived in solitude, doing reading edifying books and crafts, and last years of his life spent in silence and was considered "righteous." It was only after her death, Catherine had begun to visit Moscow Metropolitan Plato and some notables. Died T. February 4, 1810 and was buried in the New Monastery, the Tomb of the Romanov boyars. At the funeral of her, before large crowds and was attended by relatives Razumovskis and many dignitaries. The date of death is noted on her tombstone, the same portrait of her surviving inscription read: "Princess Augusta Tarakanov, in inotseh Dosifei, entered a convent in Moscow, Ivanovo Monastery, where many leteh righteous life of his died in 1808. From these two dates correctly raznorechaschih considered first. In this portrait, her name became known in the world, his middle name she invented, the origin of the same name remains unclear. Guess gr. DN Bludova that the name comes from the village. Tarakanovka, from which Razumovsky supposedly were born, not confirmed, since in the province of Chernigov a settlement there. According to who saw T., she was of average height, thin, and of rare beauty, it looked like a meek and meekly endured their fate, the portrait can also conclude that she had a great resemblance to Elizabeth.

Fr. Rudnev, "the nun Dosifeya (Princess Tarakanov)", "edifying Reading", 1876, № 12, p. 412-426. – Melnikov, "Princess Tarakanov and Princess of Vladimir," Russian Messenger ", 1867, № 5. – D. Mordovtsev, "Russian women of modern times, women of the second half of the eighteenth century.. – AA Vasilchikov, "Family Razumovsky", that is I, Moscow, 1869. – MN. Longinus, "Princess Tarakanov," Russian. Vestn. ", 1859, v. 24. – His own, "Note on Princess Tarakanov," Russian. Archives ", 1805, № 1. – Osmnadtsaty Century, ed. 1-e, St. Petersburg. 1869, p. 562-571. – Russian Archives ", 1865, p. 656. – Russian old "Vol. Martynov, the second year, p. 87. – "Russian attractions, vol. V, p. 14-17. – "Reading in Common. History. And Ap. Ros.", 1866, Vol. II. – AA Martynov, "Russian Sights, vol. 5: "Ivanovo Monastery. – Samghin, "The Princess Tarakanov," "The modern. Chronicle, 1865, № 13. – Helbig, "Russische Gunstlinge", Tubingen 1809. – Duclo, "Memoires secrets sur la Franco". – "Memoires de prince Pierre Dolgoroukow", III, Geneve, 1871. – Prosp. Mehrime, "Histoir do lu pretendue fille d'Elisaberi", "Journal des Savants", 1869, juinet and juillet. NS