Biographical Overview & Key Facts

Subject:

Alexander Sumarokov

Role / Field:

Pioneering Russian poet and playwright credited with establishing classical theatre in Russia.

Born:

1717-11-14

Died:

1777-10-01

Century / Era:

1717s Historical Era

Database Source:

2Day Chrono-Wiki & Wikipedia CC BY-SA 4.0

Origins & Early Life

Alexander Petrovich Sumarokov (Russian: Алекса́ндр Петро́вич Сумаро́ков; 25 November 1717 [O.S. 14 November], Villmanstrand – 12 October 1777 [O.S. 1 October]) was a Russian poet and playwright who single-handedly created classical theatre in Russia, thus assisting Mikhail Lomonosov to inaugurate the reign of classicism in Russian literature. Alexander Sumarakov was born in 1717 into a family of Muscovite gentry.

Pivotal Works & Achievements

He was born in Villmanstrand (now Lappeenranta) in Swedish-ruled Finland, where his father was most likely serving in the Great Northern War against Sweden. Sumarokov was educated at the Cadet School in Saint Petersburg, where he became closely familiar with French learning. Neither an aristocratic dilettante like Antiokh Kantemir nor a learned professor like Vasily Trediakovsky or Mikhail Lomonosov, he was the first gentleman in Russia to choose the profession of letters. He consequently may be called the father of the Russian literary profession. His pursuits did not undermine his position in the family; indeed, his grandson was made a count and, when the Sumarokov family became extinct a century later, the title eventually passed to Prince Felix Yusupov...

Enduring Legacy & Impact

The historical impact and works continue to influence the modern world.

Contemporary Figures & Related Historical Timelines

• David Garrick — Contemporary (Born in 1717) (1717): Pioneering English actor, playwright, and theatre manager of the 18th century.
• Ernst Gideon von Laudon — Contemporary (Born in 1717) (1717): Austrian general renowned for opposing Frederick the Great in the Silesian and Seven Years' Wars.
• Horace Walpole — Contemporary (Born in 1717) (1717): Whig politician, writer, and antiquarian known for Gothic revival and letters.
• Albrecht von Haller — Contemporary (Died in 1777) (1777): Swiss polymath, father of modern physiology, renowned anatomist and naturalist.
• Aleksey Yermolov — Contemporary (Born in 1777) (1777): Prominent Russian general known for service in the Napoleonic Wars and the Caucasian Campaign.
• Alexander I of Russia — Contemporary (Born in 1777) (1777): Emperor of Russia during the Napoleonic era, known for liberal reforms and military campaigns.
• A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada — Shared historical date (11-14 · Died) (1977): Pioneering global spread of Krishna consciousness teachings and the Hare Krishna mantra.
• Aaron Copland — Shared historical date (11-14 · Born) (1900): Pioneering American composer, conductor, and critic, known as the "Dean of American Music".
• Abby Stein — Shared historical date (10-01 · Born) (1991): Israeli-American author, rabbi, and activist who speaks on faith and gender identity.
• Abd Allah ibn al-Zubayr — Shared historical date (10-01 · Died) (692): Mecca-based leader of a caliphate opposing the Umayyads during the Second Fitna.
• 1717 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1717
• November 14 (11-14) On This Day — Historical birthdays and events on November 14
• 1777 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1777
• October 1 (10-01) On This Day — Historical events and memorials on October 1

Frequently Asked Questions about Alexander Sumarokov