Society Woman: Days of a Russian Noblewoman

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document in English

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published 29/05/2008

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The memoirs of Anna Evdokimovna Labzina, a noblewoman during the reign of Catherine the Great, might be expected to contain numerous references to the salon of St. Petersburg and the fashions of the time. Titled Days of a Russian Noblewoman, her account is remarkable for its religious tone and adherence to virtues and morality. The first part of her work is an extensive memoir written in 1810 which focuses on her married life with her first husband, Alexander Karamyshev, whom she married in 1772 at the age of thirteen. The latter part is a diary written from 1818-1819, after she had married her second husband Alexander Labzin, a prominent Petersburg Freemason. Labzina had a difficult time adjusting to life with Karamyshev and his infidelities, and the majority of her memoir documents her struggles with him. Although her second marriage was happier, the diary describes more of the strains she experienced as a religiously idealistic woman trying to understand the noble class.

Labzina's fervent religiousness put her at odds with some of the Russian nobility.
Trying to understand her husband's nature was a particular trial for Labzina.
When they moved to Siberia Labzina continued her practice of seeking paternal benefactors.
Labzina did not just play the role of an obedient 'orphan' who receives favors from those above her.
Her old-fashioned beliefs were challenged by the new worldliness and materialism.
Her old-fashioned practices might have been unsuitable for the city.
Labzina's insights into the Freemasons are interesting.
It would be easy to disregard Labzina for her religious tangents.
Days of a Russian Noblewoman focuses on Labzina's struggle to reconcile religion and worldly attitudes.