Gavriil Romanovich Derzhavin (1743-1816), Russian poet and statesman.
He was born in Kazan, in 1762 entered military
service. He soon became known as a gifted poet, writing odes, praising
Catherine II. His poetry gained
him promotion, he
became the Governor of the Olonetzk and Tambov provinces. In 1791 he
became Secretary of State, in 1800 - Imperial
Treasurer and in 1802 - Minister of Justice. He published much lyrical
poetry and is considered one of the greatest Russian
poets.
See: Vladimir Borovikovsky. Portrait
of G. R. Derzhavin.
Salvator Tonci. Portrait
of Gavriil Romanovich Derzhavin.