This article seeks to illuminate the cultural frame of reference for the suicide of Miasnikov (a Russian art student) & its subsequent reception. The author first outlines the tradition of noble suicide in Russia, which arose as a direct consequence of Westernization in the eighteenth centurey & reached a highpoint with the Decembrist movement. Discussion then turns fo the rereadings of his death by the two police investigations, before shifting once again to their broader cultural context. Finally, a report on this suicide is addressed & a suggestion is made as to why this case provides unique insight into Russian political & cultural history. (72 notes)