Rare historic portraits of the parents of an early Russian Alaska governor, Baron Ferdinand von Wrangel, are on display at the Anchorage Museum.
In 1829, the Russian government appointed Baron Ferdinand von Wrangel to chief manager of Russian-America, now known as Alaska, making him one of the state's first governors after Alexander Andreyevich Baranov, who died in 1819. Von Wrangel is best known for his contribution to developing natural resources in Alaska.
The portraits of his parents, Peter and Dorthea Wrangel, were said to be painted in 1807.
These paintings were donated by a descendent of Baron von Wrangel. They are currently on display until February 10 as part of the Anchorage Museum's "Recent Acquisitions" exhibit.
According to Monica Shah, the director of collections at the Anchorage Museum, the portraits were in extremely poor condition when they were first received. After one year of conservation work, these 200 year-old paintings are fresh for public display.
Once the exhibit is over the portraits will be preserved in storage.
Editor's note: An incorrect reference to Baron Ferdinand von Wrangel as Russian Alaska's first governor has been corrected.
Contact Jessica Ridgway
