Ivan Gagarin

Ivan Alexeyevich Gagarin (; 16 September 1771, Moscow12 October 1832, Moscow) was a Russian Imperial Senator and Active Privy Councillor, from the princely Gagarin family. Biography He was born to the Privy Councilor, Alexei Ivanovich Gagarin, and his wife, Irina Grigorievna, daughter of the military officer and statesman, . At the age of only two, he was enrolled in the Preobrazhensky Regiment then, at the age of five, in the Izmaylovsky Regiment. When he began his active service, in 1790, he became a Praporshchik (Ensign), and was sent to fight in the Russo-Turkish War. For his participation in the Siege of Izmail, he was promoted to Podporuchik (Second-Lieutenant), and was awarded the Order of St. George, 4th degree. Further promotions followed and, in 1795, he was named a Chamberlain. In 1799, he was appointed an Equerry at the court of Grand Duchess Elena Pavlovna and later held the same position under Grand Duchess Catherine Pavlovna. In 1810, he was appointed Manager of her court in Tver. For his many years of service, he was awarded the Order of Saint Anna and the Order of Saint Alexander Nevsky. In 1819, he was named a Senator. In the latter part of 1820, together with Pyotr Andreyevich Kikin and Alexander Dmitriev-Mamonov, he was instrumental in founding the Imperial Society for the Encouragement of the Arts; dedicated to "promoting the dissemination of fine arts in Russia; approving and encouraging the talents of Russian artists". He served as one of the first members of its governing committee.