About Editha von Rahden
Lived 1823 – 1885 (aged 61). Editha von Rahden was a Russian lady-in-waiting, salonnière and philanthropist.
Editha von Rahden (; 20 December 1823 – 9 October 1885) was a Baltic-German philanthropist in the Russian Empire.
She was born to the courtier Ferdinand von Rahden and Wilhelmine von Keyserling on 20 December 1823. She was a lady-in-waiting to Grand Duchess Helena Pawlovna and later to Empress Maria Fedorovna. In Russia, she hosted a literary salon and among her guests were the poet Leskov, Carl Ferdinand Walter, Georg Berkholz, Carmen Sylva, and Cardinal Antonelli.
In the court of Helena Pawlovna, the "witty" Editha was known for her literacy and ability to summarize current literature, according to Bunnett. Fraulein von Rahden, the favourite lady of the Court, was not to be surpassed in the art of making short compendiums of the bulkiest works, and for years German scholars joined this most unusual woman in her task, finding plenty to do in sifting the material with which the indefatigable royal reader was supplied. During her employment with Helene Pavlovna, she became a member of her charitable nursing organisation in 1854. After this, she became engaged in several charitable organisations with a focus on medical care and female education. She assisted the Empress Maria in several of her projects.
She died 9 October 1885 in St. Petersburg, Russia.
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Important facts
People in Editha von Rahden's life
Named in this biography and alive at the same time
Contemporaries
People whose lives overlapped Editha von Rahden's
Frequently asked questions
Who was Editha von Rahden?
Baltic German philanthropist (1823-1885)
When was Editha von Rahden born?
Editha von Rahden was born on 31 December 1823.
When did Editha von Rahden die?
Editha von Rahden died on 9 October 1885 in Saint Petersburg.
What was Editha von Rahden's occupation?
Editha von Rahden was a lady-in-waiting, salonnière and philanthropist.
What nationality was Editha von Rahden?
Editha von Rahden was Russian.
Sources & further reading
· Wikipedia: Editha von Rahden
Cite this page
APA: Biography.guide. (2026). Editha von Rahden. https://biography.guide/editha-von-rahden/
MLA: "Editha von Rahden." Biography.guide, https://biography.guide/editha-von-rahden/.
Chicago: "Editha von Rahden." Biography.guide. https://biography.guide/editha-von-rahden/.
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