Paul Grigorievitch Bashkirtseff

Research Status: Basic Last Updated: 2026-02-10 Diary Coverage: Book 00 (1884 preface)

Identity

Marie's paternal grandfather. Russian general who served in the Crimean War. Father of Constantin Bashkirtseff (Marie's father) and four daughters.

Background

Military Career:

• Small nobility ("petite noblesse")
• Promoted to general rank after the Crimean War (1853-1856)
• Described by Marie as "brave, tenace, dur et même féroce" (brave, tenacious, hard and even ferocious)

Family:

• Married a young woman said to be the natural daughter of a great lord
• His wife died at age 38
• Five children: Constantin (Marie's father) and four sisters

Estate at Poltava:

• After leaving military service, purchased a magnificent estate near Poltava
• Acquired it cheaply from ruined people (miners)
• Marie notes he showed much avarice and little generosity in this transaction
• The Poltava estate became the family's main property

Character

Marie's description reveals a complex character:

• Military virtues: bravery, tenacity
• Hardness bordering on ferocity
• Shrewd in business dealings, even ruthless
• Marie's comment "C'est humain" (It's human) suggests she understood his self-interest as normal behavior

Historical Context

Russian generals of the mid-19th century often came from the lesser nobility and built their fortunes through military service and strategic land acquisitions. The post-Crimean War period (late 1850s-1860s) saw many military men retiring to estates they had purchased with accumulated wealth.

Related Entries

• #Papa - His son, Constantin Bashkirtseff
• #Poltava - Location of his estate
• #Crimean_War - Conflict that led to his promotion