1866–1938
Prince Paolo Petrovich Troubetzkoy was a renowned Italian sculptor of Russian origin, celebrated for his masterful ability to capture fleeting moments and expressions in his bronzes. Described by playwright George Bernard Shaw as “the most astonishing sculptor of modern times,” Troubetzkoy was a self-taught artist whose work resonated deeply within the impressionist movement. His fluid, sketch-like sculptures brought to life the vibrant society of the Belle Époque.
Born into the noble House of Trubetskoy, Paolo was the son of Prince Peter Petrovich Troubetzkoy, a Russian diplomat, and Ada Winans, an American opera singer. Though he worked in various countries including Russia, France, and the United States, he spent much of his life in Italy, where he absorbed the techniques of both painting and sculpture from artists such as Daniele Ranzoni and Giuseppe Grandi. He also found inspiration in the works of Auguste Rodin and Medardo Rosso.
One of his most famous works is the monumental equestrian statue of Tsar Alexander III in St. Petersburg, which stands as a testament to his ability to blend realism with grandeur. Despite his aristocratic background, Troubetzkoy was a deeply empathetic figure, influenced by his humanitarian beliefs and commitment to vegetarianism. George Bernard Shaw famously remarked that Troubetzkoy “can do anything with an animal except eat it.”
Troubetzkoy’s personal life was marked by profound emotional experiences, one of which inspired his poignant sculpture “Maternity” (1910). This piece, created in the same year he tragically lost his young son Pierre, reflects his deep sensitivity to both life and death. The sculpture captures the essence of maternal love and loss, combining emotional depth with his signature impressionistic style.
Though much of his life was spent in artistic seclusion, Troubetzkoy left an enduring legacy, with over 300 sculptures preserved at the Museo del Paesaggio in Verbania Pallanza, Italy. His works, both monumental and intimate, continue to inspire admiration for their technical mastery and emotional resonance.
Troubetzkoy’s life and art remain a testament to his belief in compassion, both for humans and animals, and his unwavering dedication to the craft of sculpture.
