Ivan Durnovo

Defunct Ivan Nikolayevich Durnovo (Russian: Иван Николаевич Дурново, the patronymic is also transcribed as Nikolaevich; 13 March [O.S.

He attended Prince Michael Artillery Academy (Russian: Михайловская артиллерийская академия) in Saint Petersburg.

On the Empress's recommendation, in 1886 Durnovo was appointed the chair of the Fourth Section of His Imperial Majesty's Own Chancellery, the office responsible for charitable institution and health care.

His abilities were summarized by his staff in a pun, "Не нашли хорошего, назначили Дурново" (They could not find a good minister, so they have appointed a bad [durnogo = Durnovo] one!").

His leadership qualities, not entirely admired by his colleagues, earned him the nickname of "Veal's Head" (In Russian: "Телячья голова").