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Russia's Most Famous Poet: Alexander Pushkin

The most famous portrait of Alexander Pushkin, painted by Orest Kiprensky in 1827. Wikicommons
The Church of the Ascension in Moscow where Alexander Pushkin and his wife Natalya Goncharova were married. Vladimir Filonov / MT
The guesthouse in Moscow where Alexander Pushkin vacationed between 1820-1830. Vladimir Filonov / MT
The interior of The Pushkin Museum of Fine Arts — the largest museum of European art in Moscow. The museum opened its doors to the public in May, 1912. Wikicommons
A sign outside Cafe Pushkin in Moscow. The interior of the cafe recreates the historical atmosphere of a noble mansion. Vladimir Filonov / MT
A bronze bust sculpture of poet Alexander Pushkin at the Pushkinskaya metro station in Moscow. Vladimir Filonov / MT
A monument to Alexander Pushkin, built in 1880 in Moscow. The Pushkin cinema theater is behind the monument. Vladimir Filonov / MT
Anyone can create a portrait in the style of Pushkin, Moscow, 2005. Vladimir Filonov / MT
Graffiti shows a duel between Alexander Pushkin and Georges d'Anthès, Natalya Goncharova's alleged lover, which was fatal for the Russian poet. He died two days later, on Feb. 10, 1837, having been shot through the spleen. Painted in Kharkov, Ukraine. Wikicommons
A bottle of vodka, made in the form of Alexander Pushkin. Vladimir Filonov / MT

Alexander Sergeyevich Pushkin was born in Moscow 219 years ago today, on June 6, 1799. Pushkin is widely considered the founder of modern Russian literature and Russia's greatest poet. He died in a duel with Georges-Charles d'Anthès in 1837.

Alexander Pushkin is referred to as "the father of Russian literature." His birthday is also celebrated as the day of the Russian language.

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