Anna Davidovna Abamelek (Abamelek-Baratinskaya) (1814–1889) was a distinguished Russian-Armenian translator, lady-in-waiting at the Russian Imperial Court, and public figure from the noble Armenian Abamelek family. Born in Saint Petersburg, she was the daughter of Prince David Semyonovich Abamelek and later married Prince Irakli Baratinsky, Governor of Kazan and brother of the renowned Russian poet Yevgeny Baratynsky.
Renowned for her intellect, linguistic talent, and beauty, Abamelek became one of the most respected Armenian women in 19th-century Russian society. Fluent in Armenian, Russian, French, German, and English, she translated the works of Alexander Pushkin, Mikhail Lermontov, and other Russian poets, helping introduce Russian literature to European audiences. She also translated prominent European poets into Russian, making a significant contribution to the literary and cultural exchange of her time.
Beyond her literary achievements, Anna Davidovna actively participated in the intellectual and cultural life of the Russian Empire, where she was widely admired for her education, refinement, and patronage of the arts. Her work remains an important example of the contribution of Armenians to the cultural and literary heritage of the Russian Empire.
The portrait shown above was painted by the Russian painter Alexander Brullov between 1835 and 1838 and is among the best-known depictions of Anna Davidovna Abamelek.