Matilde Serao in the Russian printed word of the late nineteenth – early twentieth centuries: A comparative textual analysis

This article is a study of Russian-Italian cultural relations in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, with a focus on the reception and translation of works by the Italian writer and journalist Matilde Serao in Russia. It examines how Serao, one of the most popular Italian authors of the time, was received in Russian literary circles and how this reflects the broader interest of the Russian intelligentsia in Italian culture. The historical context of Russian-Italian cultural relations presented in this study shows that Italy played a significant role in the cultural life of Russia of that period. Many Russian writers and artists viewed Italy as a source of the aesthetic ideal, cultural richness and spiritual inspiration. This was reflected in their own writings and in the growing interest in Italian literature and arts, which in turn contributed to the popularity of the works of such Italian authors as Serao. This study pays special attention to the role of Russian periodicals, which actively published materials on Italian culture and translations of Italian texts. These publications not only facilitated the popularisation of Italian literature in Russia, but also fulfilled an important role in shaping the reception of Italian authors among Russian readers. The study highlights that Serao was one of the most widely read Italian authors in Russia. Her works frequently appeared in prominent Russian periodicals, such as Russkaya Mmysl' and Russkie Vedomosti, indicating the strong interest in her writing among Russian readers and the influence it exerted on the Russian culture of the time. One of the key aspects of Serao's production that particularly captured the attention of Russian readers was her portrayal of the subject of the woman and the man-woman relationship in the Italian society of the time. In this context, the article specifically examines her short story "Salvazione" [Salvation of the Soul] and analyses the differences among three "different" Russian translations of this text. This short story, as well as many of other works by Serao, focuses on the theme of man-woman relationships, which is considered through the lens of romantic conflicts. Thus, Serao's writings occupied a significant place in the Russian literature of the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, reflecting an interest in Italian culture and prompting an active discussion of issues related to women's destinies and social justice. The author declares no conflicts of interests.

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