Mikhail Alekseyevich Kuzmin (October 18, 1872 – March 1, 1936) was a prominent Russian poet, novelist, composer, and critic, celebrated as a key figure of the Russian Silver Age. Born into a noble family in Yaroslavl, Kuzmin spent his formative years in St. Petersburg, where he studied music at the Saint Petersburg Conservatory under Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov. Although he did not complete his studies, Kuzmin remained deeply engaged with music, composing for notable productions such as Meyerhold's 1906 staging of Alexander Blok's "Balaganchik."

Kuzmin's literary career began with the publication of his verse and prose in 1905, quickly gaining notoriety with his novel "Wings," the first Russian novel to openly explore homosexual themes. His poetry, known for its erudition and thematic diversity, drew from ancient cultures and contemporary life in Petersburg. Kuzmin was closely associated with the Symbolist movement, contributing to influential journals like "Vesy."

Throughout his life, Kuzmin was part of Russia's cultural elite, collaborating with figures such as Konstantin Somov, Sergey Sudeykin, and Serge Diaghilev. Despite the challenges posed by the Soviet regime, Kuzmin continued to write prolifically, producing works that combined simplicity with philosophical depth. His legacy endures as a testament to his originality and influence in Russian literature and music.