E.F. Schmourlo (1854–1934) ― Scientific Correspondentof the Russian Academy of Sciences in Rome (1903–1924): Non-accomplished Project. Part I
Authors: Iakovenko Sergei 
Published: September 2024

At the turn of the 20th century two remarkable events in the history of Russian humanities took place ― two permanent foreign historical institutions were created. In 1895 the Russian Archaeological Institute in Constantinople, which was headed by the Byzantinologist F.I. Uspensky, was established, followed in 1902 by the position of scientific correspondent of the Russian Academy of Sciences in Rome. The idea of sending a representative of the Academy of Sciences to Rome was formulated in memorandum of the Russian Minister Resident at the Holy See A.P. Izvolsky on April 4 (16), 1895 to the Minister of Foreign Affairs. He wrote that the decision of Pope Leo XIII to open the Vatican Archive (1881) attracted many researchers to Rome. This led to the establishment of research institutions by various European countries; historians began regular systematic research there. A.P. Izvolsky made a proposal to organize a permanent Russian Historical Institute in Rome, like the one already opened in Constantinople. Due to the lack of necessary funds to implement this project, the matter was postponed. Nevertheless, it was approved and adopted at the end of 1902 by a decision of the State Council and then signed by Nicholas II. Initially, only a scientific correspondent of the Academy of Sciences was sent to Rome. A more permanent institution was planned as well. P. O. Pierling (1840 1922), a well-known author of works on the history of relations between Russia and the Holy See with a lot of experience with Italian archives and libraries, was considered as a possible correspondent contender at the highest level (President of the Academy of Sciences and Emperor Nicholas II). He was the Russian citizen, but a Catholic and a member of the Society of Jesus (Jesuits). He also lacked connections with the Russian Academy of Sciences, having lived in Paris for many years. It was probably the reason why the position of the scientific correspondent went to the former professor of Russian history at Yuryev (Derpt) University E.F. Schmourlo (1854–1934), who was also relatively experienced in working with Italian archives. To coordinate his work, a Permanent Historical Commission of members of the Historical and Philological Department was set up, which created a Regulations on the duties and service of a scientific correspondent and the Preliminary instructions. The activities of the academic correspondent in Rome included: the development of a specific research plan based on the general principles of Preliminary Instructions and Regulations; identification and copying of archival materials from Italian archives and libraries, description of documentary collections of Italian archives and libraries on Russian history, preparation for publication and edition of materials in two series ― “Russia and Italy”, “Monuments of cultural and diplomatic relations between Russia and Italy”; formation of a library (which was supposed to provide special literature not only to the academic correspondent himself, but also to Russian scholars arriving in Rome) and the compilation of its catalogue; the creation of a paleographic collection (for preliminary acquaintance of persons sent by the Academy of Sciences to work in the Italian archives); preparation of various references at the request of individual researchers. Although the position of academic correspondent was elective, with a term of five years, during the entire period of its existence, from 1903 to 1924, E.F. Schmourlo was constently elected to this post. During the First World War, his activities were complicated by financial and organizational difficulties, which were especially aggravated in 1918, when he received the last payment from the Academy. In 1918 1920, Shmourlo’s communications with the Academy practically ceased, and then for some time they were sporadic. The scientific correspondent presented his last report to the Academy in 1923.