Friends and Fashion: An American Diplomat in 1820s Russia

In an era before photography and social media, American diplomats share an intimate view of life among the Russian and European aristocracy.

Forty-five watercolor portraits, taken from an album assembled by the family of Henry Middleton, the American minister to Russia in the 1820s, paint a captivating picture of the diplomatic landscape of early nineteenth century St. Petersburg. These intimate portraits serve as the foundation for exploring a number of fascinating themes including Henry Middleton’s diplomacy, the historical events that punctuated his posting, the family’s involvement in the Russian capital’s social circles, the artistic traditions of the period, and even the elaborate fashions and hairstyles of the day.

Credit: Exhibition overview from museum website.