Painting. On deck of the frigate "Svetlana".
By A.K.Beggrov (1841-1914). 1884.
Oil on canvas. 100х153 cm.
The Central Naval Museum. №1666

The 40-gun screw frigate "Svetlana" was constructed in Bordeaux (France) in 1858 and was a part of the Baltic fleet. 450 horsepower steam engine.
In July 1859 the frigate "Svetlana" under the ensign of Grand Duke General — Admiral Konstantin Nikolaevich came to England with business visit, then passed to the Mediterranean Sea. In 1859-1860 N.M.Chikhachev, captain 2nd rank being in command of the frigate "Svetlana", the frigate passed from the Mediterranean Sea to the coast of China round the Cape of Good Hope. In 1862 "Svetlana" came back to Kronstadt after two years cruise to the Far East.
In August 1871 a group of ships including frigate "Svetlana", corvette "Bogatyr", clipper "Abrek" under command of vice-admiral K.N.Poset took a cruise around the world. Grand Duke Alexey Alexandrovich, the son of Emperor Alexander II, was the chief officer on "Svetlana", lieutenant of the Guards' crew. First, Russian ships went to USA with official visit which promoted strengthening of relations between two countries.
After two months' stay to USA, a group of Russian ships went to Rio de Janeiro, then to Capetown, the Cape of Good Hope, Batavia, Japan and China.
In April, 1873 the ship came back to Vladivostok, and in 1874 to Kronstadt (?). Grand Duke has arrived to St. Petersburg. In 1875-1877 the frigate "Svetlana" was under command of Grand Duke Alexey Alexandrovich&mnsp;— subsequently General — Admiral (simultaneously he commanded the Guards' crew).
Alexander Karlovich Beggrov was born on December, 17, (29) 1841 in Saint Petersburg.
In September, 1853 the future artist was admitted to the conductors companies' pupils of the Training naval working crew (subsequently Engineering and Artillery School of the Navy Department). In April 1863 A.K.Beggrov became conductor of the Corps of mechanical engineers, in 1865 he was ensign, in 1870 — second lieutenant in 1877 — he received the grade of lieutenant.
Since 1870 Alexander Karlovich audited the Academy of Arts. In 1873 the artist received a small silver medal for the paintings exhibited at the Academy, including "Imperial yacht "Derzhava" and "Steamship" Grand Duke Konstantin". In 1874 he was sent to Paris where he worked under the direction of A.P.Bogolyubov, a famous Russian marine painter. In 1877 Grand Duke General — Admiral Konstantin Nikolaevich allowed A.K.Beggrov to stay abroad for two years more.
The artist worked fruitfully abroad, creating many remarkable paintings. Since 1878 A.K.Beggrov has been painter of the Navy Department. Besides such paintings as "Frigate" Mercury", "On a deck of the frigate "Svetlana", "Inauguration of the Sea channel in Saint Petersburg" and many others, A.K.Beggrov painted many watercolours with views of the European seaports.
In 1899 by the decision of the Academy of Arts A.K.Beggrov became Academician, and in 1912, in recognition of his merits, — honorary member of the Academy of Arts.
The artist died in April, 15, (28) 1914 in Gatchina where he has lived since 1881. 12 paintings and 22 drawings executed by Beggrov in different years form a part of the museum collection.