Gavrila Derzhavin
| Gavrila Romanovich Derzhavin | |
|---|---|
| Gavrila Derzhavin by Vladimir Borovikovsky | |
| Born | Gavriil Romanovich Derzhavin 14 July 1743 Laishevsky Uyezd, Kazan Governorate, Russian Empire | 
| Died | 20 July 1816 (aged 73) Zvanka manor, Novgorod Governorate, Russian Empire | 
| Occupation | Poet, statesman | 
| Period | Neoclassicism | 
| Signature | |
Gavriil (Gavrila) Romanovich Derzhavin (Russian: Гаврии́л (Гаври́ла) Рома́нович Держа́вин, IPA: [ɡɐˈvrilə rɐˈmanəvʲɪtɕ dʲɪrˈʐavʲɪn] ⓘ; 14 July 1743 – 20 July 1816) was one of the most highly esteemed Russian poets before Alexander Pushkin, as well as a statesman. Although his works are traditionally considered literary classicism, his best verse is rich with antitheses and conflicting sounds in a way reminiscent of John Donne and other metaphysical poets.