Prince Paolo Petrovich Troubetzkoy was an artist born on February 15, 1866, in Intra, Italy, to a distinguished Russian diplomat father and an American mother. He was part of the Russian nobility through his father's side, which influenced his cosmopolitan and eclectic upbringing. Troubetzkoy is primarily remembered for his work as a sculptor, although he was also active as a painter.
Troubetzkoy displayed a natural talent for sculpture from an early age. His work was characterized by a dynamic and impressionistic style, which was quite innovative for his time. He is often associated with the Impressionist movement, despite his distinct approach to sculpture that fused traditional techniques with a more modern, expressive flair.
In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Troubetzkoy gained international acclaim for his portrait sculptures of prominent figures of the day, including statesmen, royals, and cultural icons. He traveled extensively throughout Europe and America, drawing inspiration from the diverse atmospheres and people he encountered. Notable subjects of his portrait works included the Russian writer Leo Tolstoy and the American dancer Isadora Duncan.
Troubetzkoy's works were exhibited widely during his lifetime, including at prestigious venues such as the Salon in Paris and the Venice Biennale. His sculptures were highly sought after by collectors and art enthusiasts for their lifelike vitality and textured surfaces that seemed to capture the essence of his subjects.
Despite his aristocratic origins, Troubetzkoy was known for his bohemian lifestyle and progressive views. He was a proponent of animal rights and involved in various social circles that included intellectuals and artists. His marriage to American opera singer Elin Sundström in 1921 further enhanced his connection to the artistic communities of Europe and the United States.
Paul Troubetzkoy continued to create art until his death. He passed away on February 12, 1938, in Pallanza, Italy, just days before his 72nd birthday. Today, his art is included in the collections of major museums around the world, and he is celebrated as one of the foremost sculptors of the early 20th century, whose work bridged the gap between traditional representation and modern abstraction.