Maria Naryshkina

Maria Antonovna Naryshkina (Russian: Мария Антоновна Нарышкина; 1779–1854), born Princess Maria Czetwertyńska-Światopełk, was a Polish noblewoman who was the mistress of Tsar Alexander I of Russia for 19 years.

Early life Born into the House of Światopełk-Czetwertyński, she was the daughter of the Polish prince Antoni Stanisław Czetwertyński-Światopełk and his wife, Tekla von Kampenhausen (1750–1791).

Biography In 1795, she married Dmitry Lvovich Naryshkin (1758–1838), a hofmeister. In 1799, with her spouse's approval, she entered into a relationship with Alexander, who became tsar in 1801. She was well-liked by Alexander's family, except by his consort, the empress Elizabeth Alexeievna.

She is described as fascinating and charming, with the ability to attract people, and called "The Aspasia of the North". Phillip Vigel wrote that she had beauty "so perfect that it seemed impossible".

Her children were: Marina Naryshkina (1798 – 11 August 1871) Yelizaveta Naryshkina (born and died 1803) [The correct year of birth is 1802] Yelizaveta Naryshkina (born and died 1804) [The correct year of birth is 1803 and name is Elena] Zinaida Naryshkina (1806 – 18 May 1810) Sofia Naryshkina (1808 – 18 June 1824) [The correct year of birth is 1805] Emanuel Naryshkin (30 July 1813 – 31 December 1901)

Alexander was persuaded to leave her in 1818 and went back to his wife, Elizabeth. He continued to talk of her as his family.