Portrait of Count Mikhail Semenovich Vorontsov in childhood

The artist is unknown

Mikhail Semenovich Vorontsov, Count (1782-1856) – from 1845 – Prince, since 1851 – the Serene Prince. Born in St. Petersburg, in 1783 he moved with his family to Venice, where his father, Count from. R. Vorontsov, was sent by a diplomat. In 1785 p. R. Vorontsov was transferred to London by the plenipotentiary (envoy).

Soon after the family arrived in London, the children of the ambassador were represented. With. R. Vorontsov wrote: “Their Majesties were satisfied with my children … They find that Mishenka has a more meek and interesting expression on his face: this is absolutely true, because this child really has something that shows his kindness and intelligence, which makes him very interesting” ( Ryabinin. With. 489). Perhaps the portrait was executed in England, where m. With. Vorontsov lived from 3 to 16 years old (from 1785 to 1801).

In 1801 m. With. Vorontsov returned to Petersburg, received the title of chamberlain, entered the lieutenant in the Preobrazhensky regiment. Since 1803 he participated in hostilities in the Caucasus, from 1805 – in the war with Napoleon began. In 1807 he was in Tilsit during the negotiations of Alexander I and Napoleon. Since 1810 he participated in the Russo-Turkish war, promoted to Major General, received the Order of St. Vladimir 2nd degree, St. George 3rd degree and gold weapon. In 1812 – a participant in the Patriotic War, wounded in the Battle of Borodino. Returning to duty, he continued to fight, in 1813 the Order of St. Alexandra Nevsky, in 1814 for the battle of Kraon – the Order of St. George 2nd degree. In 1815–1818 he commanded the Russian occupation corps in France. Since 1823-Governor General of the Novorossiysk Territory, from 1826-member of the State Council. Since 1826-participated in the next Russo-Turkish war, in 1829 the Order of St. Andrew the First -Called and the Golden Sword. In 1844 – appointed commander of a separate Caucasian corps and governor of the Caucasus with unlimited powers. In 1854 he resigned with the rank of adjutant general, in 1856 he was promoted to Field Marshals.

N. X. Unknown artist. SPb, 2012. With. 114.