(1862).
Tretyakov Gallery, Moscow. Maria Skuratova-Belskaya was the daughter of Tsar
Ivan the Terrible's favorite,
Malyuta Skuratov-Belskiy. In 1570, she married Boris Godunov. The marriage was reportedly arranged because Godunov wished to strengthen his position at court by becoming the son-in-law of the Tsar's favorite. In 1598, her spouse became Tsar of Russia, making her Tsaritsa. During her tenure as tsarina,
Maria Feodorovna Pozharskaya was her favorite and reportedly exerted influence over her. Upon the death of her spouse in April 1605, her son was proclaimed Tsar. As he was a minor, a regency was needed to govern Russia during his minority, and Maria Skuratova-Belskaya was proclaimed regent. Her regency, and that of her son, was however only to last for a couple of months. On 10/20 June 1605, she was strangled with her son Feodor in his apartment. ; Issue: • Tsarevna
Xenia Borisovna • Tsar
Feodor II of Russia ==References==