Princess and then Countess Zinaida Nikolaevna Yusupova (born September 20 (October 2) 1861 in St. Petersburg, Russian Empire, died November 24, 1939 in Paris, France) was one of the richest heiresses of her time in Russia and the last representative of the Yusupov family. She was also known as a major philanthropist and the last owner of the Arkhangelsk estate in the Moscow region before its nationalization. In 1880, Zinaida Nikolaevna was awarded the title of Dame of the Bavarian Order of Theresa.

Zinaida Nikolaevna was the daughter of the last Prince Yusupov, Nikolai Borisovich the Younger, who was a musician, historian, and modest collector. After her sister's death, she remained the only one in her family. Having received a good education, Zinaida was familiar with the world of science and culture and even had an understanding of philosophy.

Zinaida Yusupova was considered one of the most desirable brides and the first beauties of St. Petersburg. For her purity and light that she radiated, she was called "The Radiance" at court. She was educated, spoke several languages, and possessed intelligence and generosity, like her father. Despite numerous proposals from noble suitors, she rejected them all.

Her marriage to the guard officer Felix Elston was a surprise to her family and high society, as it was considered a mesalliance due to the count's lower status and wealth. However, Zinaida was determined to marry the one she loved, and her father did not oppose it, although he was dissatisfied with her choice.

Princess Yusupova had four children, but two died in infancy. Two sons, Nikolai and Felix, survived. The elder son Nikolai did not want to share his parents with his brother and even suggested throwing him out of the window. This was related to the servants' tales of an ancient curse on the Yusupov family, according to which only one son could survive in each generation, while the others died before the age of 26. According to family legend, the descendants of Khan Yusuf were cursed for converting to Christianity.

The princess did not believe in these rumors, but the curse came true in every generation. She realized its reality when Nikolai died at the age of 26 after being killed in a duel over a married woman he loved.

Before the revolution, the younger son Felix organized the murder of Grigori Rasputin, and his mother supported him, believing he had freed Russia from a monster. Felix Yusupov admired his mother, noting her intelligence, education, and kindness. The artist Valentin Serov, who usually did not flatter aristocrats, was also impressed by Zinaida Nikolaevna, saying that if all wealthy people were like her, there would be no place for injustice. To this, Zinaida replied that injustice cannot be eradicated, especially with money.

In 1900, before the death of her elder son, the princess and her husband made a will stating that in the event of their lineage's extinction, all their property, including art collections and jewelry, would be transferred to the state for preservation within the Empire. After the revolution, the princess emigrated with her family to France, where she spent the last 22 years of her life. She was buried at the cemetery of Sainte-Geneviève-des-Bois near Paris.