Alexander Fyodorovich Pavlov was the academician Ivan Pavlov’s cousin once removed. Alexander’s grandfather was the brother of the scientist’s father Pyotr Dmitriyevich Pavlov, who played a great role in the upbringing of both Fyodor and Alexander. Pyotr had always acted as a father figure for the big family: he encouraged all the younger ones to learn and develop. It was through his efforts that Alexander Fyodorovich graduated from the seminary, traveled extensively, became a skilled writer, drew and photographed a lot.

With his penchant for amateur photography, Alexander took many photographs of the Pavlov family between 1897 and 1908. Rare photographs of Ivan Pavlov on vacation were taken by Alexander at his dacha in Sillamäe: they feature the scientist on the veranda, at lunch, during the afternoon tea, on the seashore, reading books, and spending time with children and relatives.

Alexander Fyodorovich was introduced to the family of the academician Pavlov’s father at the age of 14, when he first came to Ryazan, having graduated from the Skopinsky Religious School. He was about to enter the theological seminary, but first, he needed to show his face to ”… Pyotr Dmitriyevich, my Ryazan granduncle.” Alexander Pavlov left detailed memoirs about the Pavlov family, their personalities and everyday situations that they encountered. He recalled his first meeting with the family in the following way: