Princess Marie Litvinova

1892 · unknown

Princess Marie Litvinova is a 1892 portrait by the Russian artist Victor Stember.

Victor Stembers signature is seen in the upper left corner of this painting of his relative, Princess Litvinoff (Litvinova). Stember's daughter Nadja married Prince Vladimir Feodorovich Litvinov on June 19, 1919. It was the second marriage for both and is documented in Stember;s Diary p. 98: (See below)

The Litvinov family was well known to the family as stated in Nadja Stember's memoirs (wife of the artist). On page 94 of her Memoir, Nadja states that after their return as newlyweds from an extended Honeymoon in the south of France and Italy, they went to live with Nadja's Mother in their estate named Lubanovo. See below for the entire reference but it appears that this painting of the Princess started Stember on his career as a portrait painter.

From Victor’s Diary

In Nadja Stember's Diary, wife of the artist, there is reference to painting notables in the area surrounding Lubanovo, the summer home of Nadja's family. This painting of Princess Litvinov is one.

'Life in Lubanovo was like in paradise. Victor couldn't help but fall in love with it-like everybody else who saw it. We made visits to all our neighbors: Princes Scherbakov, Chartoryjsky, Litvinovs, Kantakusen and others. Victor, with his perfect French language and his charming personality made a very favorable impression on everyone...As a result, Princess Marie Litvinova (Litvinov) expressed desire to have her portrait painted. One of the large rooms of the house was quickly transformed into a studio and Victor began to work.'

Victor Stember's diary p. 98:

'The villa is large! What a pleasure to have one's own room! A whole wing of three rooms was allocated to Nadya and Vladimir Feodorovich Litvinov. Divorce from Sokolov (Nadya's first husband and father of Kyrilchik) was formalized in 1/2 hour. It took the same time to formalize Litvinov's divorce from his wife, since agreement was mutual. And so, Nadja is now married and has her 'own nest', what her soul longed for and what Sokolov had not given her!

Read the complete diary

Archival Records of This Work

Historical photograph of Princess Marie Litvinova, 1892 from the family album — Photograph from the family album

Do you have information about this portrait — its location, provenance, or a better photograph? Please contact the family.