Born in Stettin, Prussia, Sophie Marie Dorothea
Auguste Louise (Oct. 25, 1759)- Duchess of Wurtemburg was a highly
educated and cultured young lady. By sixteen, she was fluent in German,
Italian, French and Latin. And at seventeen, was selected amongst many
of the available and worthy princesses to become the second wife of the
future Tsar Paul I (who had just become a widower).
The two future spouses met formally in Berlin for a
state dinner in Paul’s honor and, just like that- it was love at first
sight. Soon thereafter, Sophie converted to Russian Orthodoxy and was
given the name of and title of Grand Duchess of Russia, Maria Feodorovna
upon their marriage.
Catherine The Great (one can only imagine having
this lady as a mother-in-law) was initially thrilled with the charming
Maria, having so many similarities in terms of country of origin and
name. Maria had a very kind and delightful personality- she would be
one of the rare people that could actually put up with Paul; whose
character was quite difficult. This newly Grand Duchess had all the
patience in the world when it came to her husband. And, although their
union would produce ten children and for the longest time the couple
would remain deeply in love, times were often very trying, not only
politically, but also due to Paul’s roaming eye.
Maria would dedicate her life to charities and the
arts. Endowed with musical talent as well, Maria played the harpsichord
and entertained in her beautiful palace. Evenings were carefully
planned for the theatre, music and art. As much as she loved to read,
Maria was also a devoted writer. She kept a multitude of her diaries
that she wrote daily. These contained almost a minute by minute
recounting of her days. Later she would ask that all volumes be burnt
after her death.
Maria also had the great fortune of becoming
Empress alongside her husband when Catherine The Great passed away.
Finally she had the chance to pursue her interest in politics and
governing the people. Her advice and counsel were invaluable to her
husband. They were a very close couple despite his affairs and were
destined to be together forever- until his assassination.
Maria then became Dowager Empress and set the stage
for second in command after her son, Tsar Nicholas- a first in Russia
as second highest rank ( and so it would be that her daughter-in-law-
although Tsarina, would be a level under her).
As a widow, Maria took it upon herself to see to
her children’s highest level of education. As for herself, she
continued to be unparalleled in not only fashion, as patron of the arts,
management of charities, and had control over the bank as well. One of
her greatest contributions is most certainly the creation of the first
schools for girls in Russia. Talk about leaving a legacy!
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| From History and Women |
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