Trifon

Research Status: Basic Last Updated: 2025-07-06 Diary Coverage: Up to 1874-04-29

Identity

Long-serving family servant suspected of stealing 1,200 roubles from the Bashkirtseff father's cashbox. Son of servant who served family for 40 years.

Diary References

1874

• April 29: Suspected in theft of 1,200 roubles from papa's cassette. Marie notes "le père nous servit quarante ans et lui-même Trifon est ★en calèche depuis qu'il sait marcher" (his father served us forty years and Trifon himself has been ★in carriage since he could walk). Family won't call police: "si même c'est ce pauvre garçon qui a volé (quel mot terrible !) on lui pardonnera." Trifon himself "très excité" about accusation.

Context

• Multi-generational service (father 40 years)
• "En calèche" unclear - possibly coachman
• Star indicates textual uncertainty
• Family loyalty vs. theft suspicion
• Class paternalism - won't prosecute
• Shows servant-master relationships

Research Notes

• Servant loyalty in 19th century
• Household theft and justice
• Russian servant traditions
• Greek name (Trifon/Tryphon)