Reception of the Image of the Russian Ambassador in the English Press 1812—1854

This article, based on materials from the elite and mass English press of the first half of the 19th century, attempts to reconstruct the image of the Russian ambassador to Great Britain. It is concluded that newspapers created a dual image, where, on the one hand, qualities such as secularity, upbringing, and an excellent education were highly valued, while, on the other hand, the image of the Russian diplomat was demonized. Particular attention is paid to the image of the Russian embassy under H. A. Lieven and F. I. Brunnov, and the aspect of “female diplomacy” is examined. The chronological framework covers the period from the restoration of the institution of embassy representation on September 18, 1812, to December 18, 1854, when diplomatic relations between Russia and Great Britain were suspended due to the outbreak of the Crimean War.