Semen Sergeevich Bobrov
Semen Sergeevich Bobrov, born around 1763, was a Russian poet and intellectual whose early education in a Russian Orthodox seminary significantly influenced his character. Transitioning from traditional religious observance, he embraced a more mystical interpretation of spirituality. After 1780, he furthered his education at the Gymnasium of Moscow and Moscow University, eventually relocating to St. Petersburg. There, he worked as a translator for the Black Sea command at the admiralty and became actively involved in literary circles and academic journals. Bobrov's poetry, which was heavily inspired by Western literary traditions, often featured mystical themes, reflecting the philosophical ideals of Freemasonry, of which he was a member. His work explored the evolution of the soul from base instincts to higher spiritual aspirations. Bobrov passed away from tuberculosis in 1810, a condition often romanticized during that era, enhancing his artistic legacy.
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Semen Sergeevich Bobrov
Poet and Playwright
- Born: c. 1763
- Birthplace: Probably in or near Iaroslavl, Russia
- Died: March 22, 1810
Biography
Semen Sergeevich Bobrov was born around 1763 and was originally educated in a Russian Orthodox seminary. This early religious formation left a permanent mark on his character, although he would later move away from conventional modes of observance to a more mystical approach to the spiritual. After 1780, he received a secular education at the Gymnasium of Moscow and subsequently Moscow University. He then moved to St. Petersburg, where he worked at the admiralty as a translator for the Black Sea command under Admiral N. S. Mordvinov. He contributed to a number of the academic journals and became active in literary circles in the imperial capital. He also became involved in Freemasonry and apparently belonged to a Masonic lodge. His poetry drew heavily upon Western models and often incorporated mystical elements that reflected Masonic attitudes toward spirituality and personal development. In particular, he was interested in the progression of the soul from base passions toward religious spirituality. He died of tuberculosis in 1810, which at that time was considered an ethereal and artistic cause of death.