Love Against All Odds: How Merchant Soldatenkov Defied Conventions

Kozma Terentyevich Soldatenkov was born in October 1818 into a family of Old Believers in Moscow and received no formal education. Nevertheless, after becoming the owner of a textile manufactory, he managed not only to grow the family fortune but also to become a figure of national significance.

From the age of 30, he began collecting works of Russian art. It was he, not Tretyakov, who first systematically supported artists—not only by purchasing their works but also by funding their studies abroad. He published books, opened libraries, and established charitable institutions. With his money, a hospital for the poor was built, later named after Botkin, as well as a vocational school. His generosity and kindness were so well-known that a joke circulated that it was Kozma Soldatenkov who bought serfdom from the tsar in 1861 and freed the peasants.

After his death, Soldatenkov bequeathed his collections to Moscow—without grand gestures or memorial plaques. For the future.

Against the backdrop of his immense contributions to the economy and culture, Kozma Soldatenkov’s personal life puzzled his contemporaries. He never entered into an official marriage or created a "proper" merchant family. Yet, a woman lived by his side for many years—Frenchwoman Clemence Duboué, his beloved and the mother of his son.

She barely spoke Russian. He did not know French. But by all accounts, they lived a harmonious life together. For her, Soldatenkov built an estate in Sverchkov Lane. He did not hide her existence but also did not flaunt their relationship—simply living with her as his spouse until his last day.

At a time when merchants were expected to conform to strict societal expectations—from the style of their homes to their family structure—Soldatenkov allowed himself not to play by these rules. He bet not on external approval but on inner honesty and the choice of his heart.

Clemence stayed with him until the end. And after his death—under his protection. The estate, inheritance, status—everything had been carefully arranged.

Kozma Soldatenkov left Russia not only factories, buildings, and funds. He left behind a story of loyalty and love, as well as a unique model of behavior combining economic success and high moral principles. His personality became the prototype for literary characters: contemporaries recognized his traits in the works of Turgenev and Chekhov. This was no coincidence—he became part of the cultural code of his time.

His example is not just a story of love or success. It is a story about the right to be oneself—even if it means going against everyone.

In the next installment of the "Merchant VS" series, we will tell the stories of entrepreneurs who created the most beloved sweets we still enjoy today. We will learn how fierce the competition was in the confectionery industry and what methods were used in the wars between chocolate, buttercream, and marmalade kings. Stay tuned for updates—on the pages of "Capital of the Country" and in the Art-Ledokol project.