Beloved Mother

Baroness Olga von Medem

Janis Rozentāls: 1900

One of the most important artifacts in this collection is the painting of Baroness Olga von Medem.

For Svetozar, this portrait of his mother held deep personal significance as it not only symbolized her noble status and wealth but also served as a constant reminder of his family's legacy as well as his love for her.

This portrait was painted in 1900 by renowned Latvian artist, Janis Rozentāls (1866-1916). Rozentāls was a founding member of the Latvian School of Painting and is recognized as a pioneer of both Eastern European Impressionism and Art Nouveau.

During his career, Rozentāls worked in a multitude of media ranging from large murals to magazines. He was also a much-desired portraitist due to his technical skill and ability to capture the essence of his subjects.

The impressive, hand-carved, gilded frame illustrates her noble lineage through the shining crown at its top and seals of the von Medem and von Fersen families on either side.

Originally commissioned in St. Petersburg, Russia, this larger-than-life painting and its massive frame accompanied the Medem-Fersens to Paris, and later to the Western United States.

In 1939, Svetozar made his home and Lightbearers Headquarters in Seattle, Washington, where this prized possession hung prominently until its donation to the Columbia Gorge Museum.

Baroness Olga Catherina Elisabetha von Medem, c. 1860

Svetozar's mother, Baroness Olga von Medem, in her youth.

Group Photo, c. 1876

The Medem-Fersen's at their country home with friends and family. Olga von Medem (far right) and her infant son, Baron Eugene Fersen- Svetozar (below).

Olga von Medem, c. 1885

Svetozar's mother showcasing her elaborate lace gown and cameo bracelet (1989:35.36), currently on view in SVETOZAR. Olga was a collector of antique furnishings and fine art.

In Rozentāls' Studio, c. 1899

This photo of Olga von Medem was used by renowned Lativian artist, Janis Rozentāls for reference as he worked on his 10-foot-tall portrait of her. It is believed to have been taken by Rozentāls' collaborator and contemporary, Jānis Rieksts. See her intricate beaded on display at Columbia Gorge Museum.

Chambre a Eugène, c. 1903

Rozentāls' large oil painting of Baroness Medem as it hung in Svetozar's bedroom in his Paris home. It is believed the Medem-Fersens left to Paris with their illustrious estate from St. Petersburg as tension grew in Eastern Europe. Photo taken from Svetozar's sister, Marie Zvenigorodski's personal photo album.

Group Photos in the French Countryside, c. 1903

Photo taken from Svetozar's sister, Marie Zvenigorodski's personal photo album. Group includes Baron Eugene Fersen (left), Olga von Medem (right), and Marie Zvenigorodski's husband, Wladimir Prince of Zvenigorod (above).

Olga von Medem in Paris, c. 1903

Olga von Medem in her daughter, Marie Zvenigorodski's lounge in the Medem-Fersen's Paris home. Framed photos on the mantle as seen in SVETOZAR.

Pavel Romanovich Medem, c. 1880

One of the pieces taken with the Medem-Fersens to Paris. The artist, Baron Pavel Romanovich Medem is believd to have been cousin to Medem Matriarch, Olga.