Curt von Bardeleben [SEP] date of death
Curt von Bardeleben
Curt von Bardeleben (4 March 1861 in Berlin – in Berlin) was a German chess master, journalist, and member of the German nobility.
Biography.
Bardeleben was originally a student of law, but gave it up in order to become a professional chess player. He later quit competitive chess for four years to complete his law degree. He was described thus by Edward Lasker: 
He always wore a black cut-away suit of dubious vintage. Apparently he could never spare enough money
) who manages Luzhin's career through childhood. He uses the young Luzhin for his own gain and without much regard for Luzhin's personal development. Valentinov returns Luzhin to his father once he is no longer marketable as a child prodigy.
Turati: The suave Italian grandmaster of chess. Luzhin has a nervous breakdown midway through the game with Turati.
Comments.
The character of Luzhin is based on Curt von Bardeleben, a chess master Nabokov knew personally. Bardeleben ended his life by jumping out of a window.