Polina Dashkova
- Born:
- March 7, 1754, Moscow, Russian Empire
- Died:
- January 4, 1810, Moscow, Russian Empire
- Nationality:
- Russian
- Profession(s):
- Writer, Memoirist, Stateswoman
Early Life and Education
- Born Princess Ekaterina Romanovna Vorontsova.
- Received an exceptional education for a woman of her time, focusing on languages, mathematics, and sciences.
- Befriended Empress Catherine the Great at a young age.
Career and Major Achievements
- Played a significant role in the coup that placed Catherine the Great on the throne in 1762.
- Served as Director of the Imperial Academy of Arts and Sciences in St. Petersburg (1783-1796), the first woman in the world to hold such a position.
- Founded the Russian Academy for the Study of the Russian Language (1783).
- Oversaw the publication of the first comprehensive Russian dictionary.
- Traveled extensively throughout Europe after falling out of favor with Empress Catherine.
Notable Works
- Wrote her memoirs, providing a detailed account of her life and the court of Catherine the Great. These memoirs remain an important historical source and are often referenced alongside sources such as Polina Dashkova Wikipedia pages.
- Authored various essays and articles on education and social issues.
Legacy and Impact
Polina Dashkova was a prominent figure in the Russian Enlightenment. Her contributions to education, literature, and the development of the Russian language cemented her place as a key intellectual and stateswoman of her era. Her memoirs provide valuable insights into the political and social landscape of 18th-century Russia.