Nicholas II

Divine Liturgies celebrated on the anniversary of the birth of the Holy Emperor Nicholas II

On 19th May 2026, the Russian Orthodox Church marked the 158th anniversary of the birth of Tsesarevich and Grand Duke Nicholas Alexandrovich – the future Emperor Nicholas II – who was born on 19th (O.S. 6th) May 1868 – the day when St. Job of the Long Suffering was born..

In connection with this historic date, Orthodox churches throughout Russia and abroad performed Divine Liturgies in memory of Russia’s much slandered Tsar.

From the very beginning of his reign, Nicholas II treated the duties as Emperor and Tsar of the Russian Empire as a sacred duty. As God’s Anointed, he strongly believed that for the hundred million Russian people the Tsar’s power was and remained sacred.

The family of Emperor Nicholas II was imbued with the spirit of the Orthodox faith. They lived in accordance with the traditions of Orthodox piety. Obligatory attendance at divine services on Sundays and feast days, observing fasts were an integral part of their lives. The August couple not only visited churches and monasteries during their numerous trips, venerated miraculous icons and relics of saints, but also made pilgrimages, as was the case in 1903 during the glorification of St. Seraphim of Sarov.

The Emperor paid great attention to the needs of the Orthodox Church throughout his reign. Like all Russian emperors, Nicholas II generously donated from his own funds for the construction of new churches, including those outside Russia. During the 22+ years of his reign, the number of parish churches in Russia increased by more than 10 thousand, and more than 250 new monasteries were opened. The Emperor himself participated in the laying of new churches and other church celebrations.

The personal piety of the Tsar was also manifested in the fact that during the years of his reign more saints were canonized than in the two previous centuries, when only 5 saints were glorified. During Nicholas II’s reign, the following saints were glorified: St. Theodosius of Chernigov (1896), St. Seraphim of Sarov (1903), St. Joasaph of Belgorod (1911), St. Ermogen of Moscow (1913), St. Pitirim of Tambov (1914), St. John of Tobolsk (1916) were canonized, and the veneration of St. Princess Anna of Kashin was renewed (1909).

The Holy Emperor Nicholas II said: “If you see me calm, it is because I have the firm, the absolute conviction that the fate of Russia, my own fate, and that of my family is in the hands of God, Who has placed me where I am. Whatever happens, I will bow to His will, conscious of never having had a thought other than that of serving the country that He confided to me.”

VIDEO: Nicholas II: The Last Orthodox Tsar of Russia
with Paul Gilbert (in English)

In 2020, the Holy Monastery of St. John the Forerunner of Mesa Potamos in Cyprus invited me to research, write and narrate this 20-minute English-language VIDEO, within the framework of the project for the book “The Romanov Royal Martyrs: What Silence Could Not Conceal“, of which I was a project colleague. The VIDEO has been watched by more than 134,000 people to date!

CLICK on the LINK to watch the VIDEO: Nicholas II: The Last Orthodox Tsar of Russia

VIDEO: Piety of His Imperial Majesty Sovereign Emperor Nicholas II
Duration: 11 minutes, 24 seconds

A wonderful collection of vintage newsreels from the Russian State Documentary Film & Photo Archive at Krasnogorsk (RGAKFD).

This newsreel has preserved for posterity those moments when Emperor Nicholas II together with his Family attend the divine services, kisses reverently the cross and the icons, blesses his troops, makes the sign of the cross, participates in the sacred processions and converses with the religious leaders.

Soundtrack: 1) Song «Tsar Nicholas» (written and composed by Gennady Ponomarev; sung by the famous Russian singer Zhanna Bichevskaya in 1999); 2) Fragment of the national anthem of the Russian Empire «God Save the Tsar» (another name: «The Prayer of Russians»; written by Vasily Zhukovsky in 1814, sung by Zhanna Bichevskaya).

CLICK on the LINK to watch the VIDEO: Piety of His Imperial Majesty Sovereign Emperor Nicholas II

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NICHOLAS II: RUSSIA’S LAST ORTHODOX CHRISTIAN MONARCH

CLICK ON THE LINK BELOW TO ORDER FROM AMAZON

PAPERBACK EDITION – PRICE $10.99

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BOOK DESCRIPTION

This book is not only for Orthodox and non-Orthodox persons, but for any one who shares an interest in the life, death, and martyrdom of the Holy Tsar-Martyr Nicholas II.

An illustrated Introduction by independent researcher Paul Gilbert explores the piety of Nicholas II, and his devotion to the Russian Orthodox Church, which reached its fullest development and power, during his 22-year reign.

This book further examines the trials and tribulations the Tsar endured, which later led to his canonization by the Russian Orthodox Church.

Paperback edition, with 134 pages + 23 black & white photographs

New monument of Nicholas II unveiled in the Urals

Posted on 13 Hours Ago by Paul Gilbert

On 15th May 2026 – a new bust-monument of Emperor Nicholas II was unveiled and consecrated in the Ural city of Alapaevsk. The installation of the monument is timed to the 158th anniversary of the birth of Russia’s last Tsar on 19th (O.S. 6th) May.

Recall that on 18th July 1918, Grand Duchess Elizabeth Feodorovna, along with five additional members of the extended Russian Imperial family and two of their servants were murdered by the Bolsheviks near Alapaevsk. The horrific murders took place just one day after Emperor Nicholas II and his family were murdered in Ekaterinburg on 17th July.

The monument of the Holy Passion-Bearer Nicholas II was installed on the grounds of the Alapaevsk City Hospital and Elizabeth Square.

The opening ceremony was attended by the clergy of the Alapaevsk Diocese – the rite of consecration (see photo above) of the monuments was performed by the Secretary of the Alapaevsk Diocese, Priest Dimitry Yamshchikov, co-served by Hierodeacon Dionisy (Matrosov). The prayer hymns were sung by the choir under the direction of conductor Ustinya Alexandrovna Nikulina.

The installation of these monument in the city of Alapaevsk became possible thanks to: Pavel Alekseevich Astakhov – organizer, sponsor of the installation of monuments, TV presenter. Boris Vyacheslavovich Korchevnikov – General Director and Producer of the SPAS TV channel. Vasily Pavlovich Koshche – philanthropist and social partner of the Alapaevsk municipal district, as well as Denis Alexandrovich Abramov – General Director of Alapaevsk DOZ LLC and the company’s team.

Since the fall of the Soviet Union in 1991, more than 100 monuments, sculptures, busts and memorial plaques to Nicholas II have been installed in cities and towns across the Russian Federation.

New monument of Nicholas II unveiled in Siberia

Posted on 15 Hours Ago by Paul Gilbert

PHOTO: the bust-monument of Emperor Nicholas II installed
on the grounds of Tomsk Polytechnic University

On 19th May 2026 – a new bust-monument of Emperor Nicholas II was unveiled and consecrated on the grounds of Polytechnic University (TPU) in the historic Siberian city of Tomsk. The installation of the monument is timed to the 158th anniversary of the birth of Russia’s last Tsar.

Recall that while Tsesarevich, the future Emperor Nicholas II visited Tomsk during his Eastern Journey in 1891. And it was Nicholas II who established the first technological institute in Tomsk beyond the Urals – the current Tomsk Polytechnic University.

The rite of consecration of the monument to Nicholas II was served by Metropolitan Rostislav of Tomsk and Asinovsky. The event was attended by the Governor of the Tomsk Region Vladimir Mazur, local government officials, members of the clergy, university staff, students and local residents.

PHOTO: the bust-monument of Emperor Nicholas II installed
on the grounds of Tomsk Polytechnic University

Founded in 1604, Tomsk is one of the oldest cities in Siberia. It has six universities, with over 100,000 students, including Tomsk State University, the oldest university in Siberia.

TPU was founded by the Ministry of National Education of the Russian Empire in 1896 as Tomsk Technological Institute of Emperor Nicholas II. In 1917, the institute was renamed into Tomsk Technological Institute..

Last week, workers cut down two large pruned poplars and several damaged weeds that did not survive the winter, to make way for the new bust-monument and pedestal. There are also plans to carry out cosmetic repairs of the façade of the building.

Once the bust-monument has been installed, the area surrounding the composition will be landscaped with large shrubs. In addition, four benches will be installed for students and residents to relax while admiring the bronze memorial to Russia’s last Tsar.

The rite of consecration of the monument to Nicholas II was
served by Metropolitan Rostislav of Tomsk and Asinovsky

Since the fall of the Soviet Union in 1991, more than 100 monuments, sculptures, busts and memorial plaques to Nicholas II have been installed in cities and towns across the Russian Federation.

The truth about Russia’s much slandered Tsar

Posted on 22 Hours Ago by Paul Gilbert

This year marks the 158th anniversary of the birth of Emperor Nicholas II on 19th May [O.S. 6th May] 1868 and the108th anniversary of his death and martyrdom on 17th July 1918.

In recognition of these historic dates, I am reaching out to friends and supporters for donations to help support my research on the life and reign of Nicholas II, and in aid of my personal mission to clear the name of Russia’s much slandered Tsar.

There are many web sites, blogs and Facebook pages dedicated to the Romanovs, however, I work very hard searching Russian archival and media sources to bring something new to the table every day, including articles and news stories – from Russian archival and media sources – on Nicholas II and his family, the Romanov dynasty, their palaces, exhibitions + photos, videos and more.

Every dollar collected goes toward the acquisition and translation of documents, letters and diaries from Russian archival sources. In addition are the first English translations of articles researched by a new generation of Russian historians, which challenge the popular negative assessment of Nicholas II, which prevails to this day.

Your donation also helps offset the cost of maintenance of my blog: Nicholas II. Emperor. Tsar. Saint, and the organization and promotion of Romanov themed events, such as the 2nd International Nicholas II Conference and other events.

If you enjoy all the articles, news, photos, and videos, please help support my work in the coming year ahead by making a donation.

CLICK HERE TO MAKE A DONATION IN US DOLLARS

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Donations as little as $5 are much appreciated, and there is NO obligation!

Thank you for your consideration

As a token of my gratitude, click HERE to download and print a 22-page booklet Nicholas II Bibliography – it’s FREE!

My 2026 edition features a NEW 4-page article about Nicholas II’s libraries and book collection; 8 black and white photos; and a list of more than 125 English-language books on the life and reign of Nicholas II.

What is Nicholas II’s correct date of birth?

Posted on 1 Day Ago by Paul Gilbert

For the past 2 decades, there has been much confusion by non-Orthodox Westerners and even some Russians, with regard to the correct calendar and dates of important events (births, deaths, marriages, etc.) among members of the Russian Imperial Family.

The confusion arises from the use of dates according to the Old Style Julian Calendar (during the late 19th to early 20th century) and the New Style Gregorian Calendar[1] in the 21st century.

In particular, the anniversary of the birth of Emperor Nicholas II has been widely marked on the 18th of May in the Gregorian (New Style) calendar. This, however, is incorrect, it is in fact the 19th of May, an error which many historians are guilty.

On many online resources (including Wikipedia and social media), as well as biographies, historical studies and in textbooks, we find the date of birth of Nicholas II calculated into the new style – 18th May, while many others recalculate this date to 19th May. And every year people ask the same question – “What is the correct date”.

To a certain extent, both are correct.

The Tsar was born in a country where the official calendar was the Old Style (O. S.) Julian calendar, according to which the Russian Orthodox Church still follows. According to the Julian calendar, Nicholas II was born on 6th May 1868, on the Day of Remembrance of Job the Long-suffering. Nicholas Alexandrovich attached great importance to the fact that he was born on the day of Job.

In the 19th century, the difference between the Julian calendar adopted in the Russian Empire and the Gregorian calendar used in the West [Europe, Britain, United States, etc.] was 12 days, now it is 13, and from 2100 it will be 14 days.

In secular sources, they recalculate it in this way – 12 days are added to the dates of the 19th century, 18th century – 11 days, 17th century – 10 days, etc. And the memorable church dates of any century, starting from the time before the Baptism of Rus, in the year 988, the difference of 13 days. That is why the dates of significant events are so often confused.

So the Orthodox Church marks the Day of Remebrance of Job the Long-Suffering on 19th May. Recall that for Nicholas II himself, this was a significant factor. In August 2000, Tsar Nicholas II was glorified as a holy passion-bearer by the Moscow Patriarchate[3], so that all the dates of his life in the church calendar are recalculated in the same way with a difference of 13 days. And for Orthodox Christians, the day of His memory, associated with the date of birth, is 19th May.

PHOTO: Russian historian Peter Valentinovich Multatuli

Russia’s highly respected and prominent authority on the life and reign of Russia’s last Emperor and Tsar, *Peter Valentinovich Multatuli[2] reiterates the true dates of the history of Russia and its Tsars . . .

“The birthday of Sovereign Emperor Nicholas Alexandrovich should be celebrated on 19th May,” says Multatuli, “not the 18th as many English language books and websites note.” Further, he adds: “and the day of Nicholas II’s accession to the throne is on 2nd November. If the correct dates in the New Style are not followed, then these and other historical events are distorted.”

“Everyone knows that Emperor Nicholas II was born on the Day of Remembrance of Job the Long-suffering. The church celebrates this day on 6th May, according to the Julian calendar. In the Gregorian calendar in the 19th century. this number corresponded to 18th May, but in the 20th and 21st centuries. this date falls on 19th May. Celebrating the birthday of the Emperor on 18th May, is not the day the church celebrates the birth of St. Job! This is a sin!”

“The same is true with the death of Alexander III and accession to the throne of Nicholas II. This happened on the day of Saint Artemius the Great Martyr and the righteous youth Artemiy, on 20th October (2nd November). And if this day is celebrated on 1st November or 3rd, then we are not commemorating the memory of these saints. Do not rely on any dates on Wikipedia which often provide the incorrect dates of the Gregorian calendar for the 19th century.”

VIDEO – Birthday of the Holy Emperor Nicholas II
Duration: 2 minutes, 24 seconds, with musical background
CLICK on the image above to watch the video – ENJOY!

In honour of the anniversary of the birth of Nicholas II, a Russian history channel has prepared the above VIDEO – with musical background – featuring photos reflecting the life and reign of Russia’s last Tsar.

NOTES

[1] The Gregorian calendar was implemented in Russia on the 14th of February 1918 pursuant to a decree signed on 24th January 1918 (Julian) by Bolshevik leader Vladimir Lenin. Despite this, the Russian Orthodox Church continues to use the Julian Calendar to the present day.

[2] Peter Valentinovich Multatuli was born in Leningrad on 17 November 1969. He is a Russian journalist, historian and biographer. Multatuli is the author of numerous books and articles about the reign of Emperor Nicholas II. He is the great-grandson of Ivan Kharitonov (1872-1918), who served as the Head Cook of the Imperial family. He followed the Tsar and his family into exile, and was murdered along with them in the Ipatiev House on 17th July 1918.

[3] Emperor Nicholas II and his family were canonized on 1st November 1981 as new martyrs by the Russian Orthodox Church Outside Russia (ROCOR). It is interesting to note, that the Serbian Orthodox Church canonized Nicholas II in 1938 – 43 years BEFORE the ROCOR and 62 years BEFORE the Moscow Patriarchate.

Exhibition: ‘The Era of Nicholas II’ opens at Livadia Palace

Posted on 2 Days Ago by Paul Gilbert

On 14th May 2026, a new public exhibition The Era of Nicholas II opened at Livadia. The outdoor photo-exhibit features 100 historical photographs 0f Emperor Nicholas II and his family.

The photographs are depicted on banners, which have been mounted on the brick walls near the former house of Count Vladimir Borisovich Frederiks (1838-1927), who served as Minister of the Imperial Court between 1897 and 1917. His residence is situated on the path which leads to both the Church of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross and the Livadia Palace.

A significant part of the photographs reflect the visits of Emperor Nicholas II and members of his family to the Crimea, as well as other interesting pages of history related to the state and social activities of the last Russian Tsar, who is now glorified as a saint.

The exhibition received the blessing of Metropolitan Tikhon of Simferopol and Crimea and was prepared by the caring parishioners of the Church of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross with the support of the brethren of the Moscow Sretensky Monastery.

PHOTO: many of the photos in the exhibition reflect the Imperial Family’s visits to Crimea. In the photo above: Nicholas and Alexandra at Ai-Petri (left) Nicholas II tests new uniforms for the soldiers of his army (right). Both photos were taken during their visit in the Autumn of 1909

Recall that up until 1911, Nicholas II and his family stayed in the Small (Maly) Palace during their visits to Livadia. From 1911, the Imperial Family stayed at their iconic white stone palace overlooking the Black Sea.

The new palace was constructed in the Italian Neo-Renaissance style by the Russian architect Nikolai Krasnov (1864-1939), on the site of the Large wooden palace. It is interesting to note, that Emperor Nicholas II spent about 4 million gold rubles on the construction palace. The palace contains 116 rooms, with interiors furnished in different styles.

The Imperial family stayed in the New Livadia Palace in the autumn of 1911 and 1913 and in the spring of 1912 and 1914, their visits lasting months at a time.

It was here in Livadia that Emperor Alexander III died on 2nd November [O.S. 20th October] 1894. The same day, his son and heir Tsesarevich Nicholas Alexandrovich ascended the throne. It was also at Livadia that the holy righteous John of Kronstadt (1829-1908) anointed Princess Alice of Hesse, who became the Orthodox faithful Grand Duchess and future Empress Alexandra Feodorovna.

According to Lieutenant-General Alexander Alexandrovich Mossolov (1854-1939), who served as Head of the Office of the Ministry of the Imperial Court, Nicholas II considered moving the capital of the Russian Empire from St. Petersburg to Yalta.

Emperor Nicholas II visited Livadia a total of 13 times, his last visit was in May 1916 – three months before the outbreak of World War I. The Imperial Train arrived in Sebastopol on 12th May, and on 16th May, the Tsar and his family visited Yevpatoria.

Following the Tsar’s abdication 15th March 1917 (O.S. 2nd March) 1917, Nicholas requested that he and his family be allowed to settle permanently at Livadia, however, his request was denied by the new Provisional Government in Petrograd.

On 19th May 2015, a bust monument to Emperor Nicholas II was unveiled at the main entrance to the Livadia Palace. It is made of artificial stone after the model of the sculptor A.A.Appolonov and bronze. Marble pedestal.

On 18th November 2017, in the presence of the President of the Russian Federation Vladimir Putin, a monument to Emperor Alexander III was unveiled on the site of the former Small Palace.

On 27th September 2022, a restored bronze bust of Emperor Nicholas II – which was damaged with bullet holes – was unveiled and consecrated on the grounds of the Church of the Exaltation of the Cross – the home church of the Russian Imperial Family, at Livadia Palace in Crimea.

FURTHER READING

Livadia Palace marks 100th anniversary as a museum + 18 PHOTOS

Exhibition: ‘Fans of Empress Maria Feodorovna. 1860s–1910s’

Posted on 4 Days Ago by Paul Gilbert

PHOTO: cover of the Fans of Empress Maria Feodorovna exhibition catalogue
– see below

On 29th April 2026, the exhibition “Fans of Empress Maria Feodorovna. 1860s–1910s” from the collection of the State Hermitage Museum[1] opened in the Small Church[2] of the Winter Palace. The exhibition presents a range of fans which belonged to Maria Feodorovna, the wife of Emperor Alexander III and mother of Emperor Nicholas II, are superb examples of the fan-maker’s art.

These items, made between the 1860s and the early 1910s, entered the Hermitage from the Anichkov Palace, the Empress’s favourite St. Petersburg residence, where she lived after her marriage to the Tsesarevich Alexander Alexandrovich, and also after his death, as the Dowager Empress.

Maria Feodorovna (1847–1928), born Princess Dagmar of Denmark, came to Russia in 1866 as the bride of the Tsesarevich (heir to the throne). The earliest fans on display are ones she brought with her from Denmark. After becoming a member of one of Europe’s wealthiest imperial houses, Maria Feodorovna was able to order accessories from leading fan producers such as Duvelleroy and Alexandre.

The exhibition features fans of foreign and Russian manufacture. Since such accessories sometimes reflected important events in Maria Feodorovna’s person’s life, the glass showcases depict different types of fans – wedding, mourning and souvenir. Maria Feodorovna’s souvenir fans were mainly keepsakes connected with events in the life of the Imperial Court – notable anniversaries, weddings, christenings, balls and masquerades (for example, in memory of a costume ball held in 1883 at the palace of Grand Duke Vladimir Alexandrovich). A separate group is formed by fans that were diplomatic gifts from the time of the friendly Franco-Russian visits of 1891–93.

The theme of the fan as a costume accessory is complemented in the exhibition by some of the Empress’s evening gowns – which are also on display.

The exhibition curator is Yulia Valeryevna Plotnikova, Candidate of Art History, Leading Researcher in the State Hermitage’s Department of the History of Russian Culture.

The exhibition “Fans of Empress Maria Feodorovna. 1860s–1910s” runs until 28th March 2027

NOTES:

[1] A large number of Empress Maria Feodorovna’s fans are currently in the Collection of Pavlovsk Palace, where they are now on permanent display in their Museum of Costumes. Given that the Dowager Empress never lived at Pavlovsk, how did they end up there?

[2] Church of the Saviour Not Made by Hands – the home church of the Imperial family in the Winter Palace.

Empress Maria Feodorovna’s fan collection

The items on display accompanied their owner through various periods of her life, from her youth until her departure from Saint Petersburg on the eve of revolutionary events. Among these works of decorative and figurative art are some of the finest examples of one of the most feminine costume accessories, made in France and the Russian Empire by famous fan artists and easel painters, including Ivan Kramskoi and Alexei Bogoliubov.

Maria Feodorovna used many fans with a wide variety of decoration: lighter coloured ones were more suitable for balls, while darker ones, of lace with sequins, were for evening parties, social gatherings and the theatre. The leaves of fans from the 1880s–90s often have a flowering branch or bouquet painted on them, with a romantic landscape in the background. Among the “brighter” fans are two made of iridescent mother-of-pearl. The silk leaf of one of them depicts views of Seville in Spain.

Of great interest is a folding brisé fan with blades shaped like lily-of-the-valley flowers and leaves. In the 1860s–70s, there was a vogue for simple fans of smooth wooden or ivory blades, painted with flowers or decorated with photographic portraits set in a floral bouquet. Fans of this type were produced by the Austrian firm Gebrüder Rodeck, supplier to the royal courts of Austria and Great Britain, that in 1872 was also awarded the title of Supplier to the Russian Imperial Court. The young Maria Feodorovna is depicted with this fan in one of the earliest photographs taken soon after her arrival in Saint Petersburg.

By the late 1880s, fan-making began to be considered a separate form of decorative art. Producers tried to devise new shapes and saw the object itself as not just a fashion accessory but a work of art requiring special creative techniques. It was at that time that fan-making flourished anew: famous artists, whose easel works were shown at the annual Paris Salons, worked on the painting of the leaves and the carving of the frames of the finest examples. The leading fan-producing firms at this time were the Maisons Faucon and Duvelleroy, who had France’s leading decorative artists working with them.

A significant role in the development of the Art Nouveau style was played by Western artists’ fascination with the Orient, initially manifesting itself as the direct borrowing of decorative art objects – screens, tables, fans; robes and cushions embroidered with magnificent patterns; prints depicting flowers, birds, and animals – the “Chinoiserie of the second half of the 19th century”. The finest artists of the era reworked the decorative techniques that they admired with such talent and creativity that the Oriental style, having passed through Western culture and art, acquired its own unique character – asymmetrical composition, exquisite colour combinations.

At the turn of the 1890s, the rather bold creations of Charles Worth’s house came into fashion. The couturier was not afraid to combine in them contrasting colours – pink and pale green, black and yellow. Empress Maria Feodorovna also had outfits from Worth in her wardrobe. Like any work of high fashion, each such a toilette required a suitable accessory. That might be a fan of black gauze painted by Felix Gardon, with yellow dahlias and flowers seemingly emerging from the darkness.

At the same time, fans with gallant or classical subjects continued to be used. These were now described as being in the Louis XV and Louis XVI style, and includes the Watteau fan featuring shepherdesses breakfasting on the grass under a blue sky. The Empress is holding a similar fan in one of her official photographs from the early 1890s.

A separate group comprises the so-called wedding fans. For her own wedding Maria Feodorovna received two fans as gifts, both striking examples of the style known as the “Rococo Revival”. At the time, this trend bore the name of the favourite of the French king Louis XV, Madame Pompadour. However, the “Pompadour” style actually meant a unique synthesis of the artistic manners of the entire 18th century. Another “Rococo Revival” fan presented for the Tsarevna’s wedding, came in a pearl-grey velvet-covered case with a mother-of-pearl crown on the lid.

One of the fans presented to the Empress was painted by the famous Russian portraitist Ivan Kramskoi. Executed in oils on the smooth wooden blades of the fan are likenesses of Alexander III and all the imperial couple’s children. At the bottom, a basket of flowers and a pair of flying doves are depicted. Based on the ages of the children in the portraits, the fan can be dated to 1886, suggesting that it was made for the Emperor and Empress’s twentieth wedding anniversary.

Fans were also a form of diplomatic gift presented during friendly visits. A whole set of items belonging to Empress Maria Feodorovna has survived, including such ceremonial tokens. Most of them date from the Franco-Russian exchanges of 1891–93. For those occasions, the French government commissioned several fans for the Empress from the best firm of the day – Duvelleroy.

The exhibits shown, many of which are on display for the first time, reflect the taste and preferences of their former owner and also give an idea of the artistic development of that most feminine accessory – the fan – in the second half of the 19th and early 20th centuries, representing a rare example of a synthesis of the arts.

Source: State Hermitage Museum

Exhibition catalogue

NOTE: this catalogue is ONLY available in Russian, there is NO English language edition. Sadly, due to the current Western economic sanctions, it is not possible to order this catalogue from the State Hermitage’s online shop – PG

The State Hermitage Publishing House has prepared a scholarly illustrated catalogue entitled Fans of Empress Maria Feodorovna. 1860–1910s” (St. Petersburg, 2026). The author of the catalogue is Yulia Valerievna Plotnikova, Leading Researcher of the Department of the History of Russian Culture of the State Hermitage, curator of the exhibition.

The publication prepared for the exhibition “Fans of Empress Maria Feodorovna. The 1860s–1910s” from the collection of the State Hermitage, offers the reader the items that accompanied their owner in different periods of her life from her youth to her departure from St. Petersburg on the eve of the revolutionary events. Among these works of applied and fine art, you can see the best examples of one of the most feminine costume accessories, made in France and the Russian Empire by famous fan artists and easel painters, including I. N. Kramskoy and A. P. Bogolyubov. A special place is occupied by the so-called souvenir fans, which served as a reminder of certain events in both private life (wedding, birth of a child) and public (balls, masquerades, concerts, coronation celebrations). Among them, a set of items stands out, which are diplomatic gifts presented to the Empress during the Franco-Russian visits of 1891-1893.

The exhibits shown at the exhibition, many of which are shown for the first time, reflect the taste and preferences of their former owner, and also give an idea of the artistic development in the second half of the 19th and early 20th centuries of the most elegant accessory – the fan, which is a rare example of the synthesis of arts.

The catalogue is intended for lovers of Russian and Western European art.

The catalogue can only be purchased in the main gift shop and at the book stalls of the State Hermitage Museum.

120th anniversary of the Russian State Duma

Posted on 9 Days Ago by Paul Gilbert

Today marks the 120th anniversary of the inauguration of the Russian State Duma [Parlement].

It was on this day – 10th May [O.S. 27th April] 1906 – that the Inauguration of the State Duma [Parliament] and State Council took place in St. Petersburg.

The photo shows Emperor Nicholas II standing in front of the throne in St. George’s Hall of the Winter Palace. Draped and flanked by the Imperial Regalia, the Imperial family (to the left of the throne) and members of the 1st State Duma (to the right) witness the Tsar opening the First Duma. The latter “in black frockcoats, like jackdaws, they jostled among the brilliant uniforms of the tsar’s suite,” wrote one eyewitness.

Emperor Nicholas II gave a welcoming speech in which he expressed the hope that the “best people” of the Russian Land would contribute to the implementation of new reforms, help to identify the real and most important and urgent needs of the population and facilitate the administration of the Russian Empire.

Unfortunately, most of the Duma deputies were occupied solely with party interests and, above all, with the continuation of their revolutionary work in order to overthrow the monarchy. As the future proved, among the “best people” there were a large number of state criminals and traitors to the Motherland. The Tsar’s sister Grand Duchess Olga Alexandrovna, who was present at this event, recalls in her memoirs: “The workmen….looked as though they hated us”.

The main issue in the work of the first State Duma of the Russian Empire was the land issue. The Duma also made active and unsuccessful attempts to carry out political reforms, came up with initiatives to end repressions against the participants in the revolution of 1905-1907. All in all, during the work, the deputies approved one bill – the law introduced by the government on the allocation of 15 million rubles to help victims of crop failure. The First Duma was dissolved by Nicholas II, noted in history as the “Duma of Popular Wrath”.

The Imperial Manifesto of 30th October 1905, transformed Russia from an autocracy to a semi-constitutional monarchy.

Why a constitutional monarchy would not have saved Russia

Nicholas II is often and unfairly criticized for not adopting a European-style constitutional monarchy for Russia. It is alleged that on the day of his grandfather Emperor Alexander II’s assassination in 1881, the Emperor had earlier in the day signed a manifesto which would have ushed in a constitution, creating two legislative commissions made up of indirectly elected representatives. This document, however, does not exist in the archives today, nor is their any evidence of ites existence.

It is interesting in that those who believe that a constitution would have appeased the revolutionaries, are sadly mistaken. Various revolutionary groups in the capital were relentless in their goal of assassinating the “Tsar-Liberator”, the same man who in 1861, issued the historic Edict of Emancipation, which officially abolished Russian serfdom. This did not appease the revolutionaries.

The revolutionaries succeed in their mission on 14th March [O.S. 1st March] 1881, when Alexander II was assassinated in St Petersburg. This act of terrorism shook his heir and the Russian Empire to the core. Fearing an attempt on his life, Alexander moved his family to the fortress-like palace at Gatchina. The revolutionaries still pursued him, numerous plots were foiled, which resulted in the imprisonment, exile, even death of the revolutionaries.

The last Russian tsar Nicholas II was further pursued by the revolutionaries, who were growing in numbers and tactics. One has only to read the memoirs of his security chief General Alexander Spiridovitch to fully understand the number of plots to assassinate Nicholas, which were foiled, and the efforts to protect Russia’s last Tsar.

Again, had Nicholas adopted a constitution, he would not have saved Russia – the revolutionaries were not seeking democratic reforms or a European-style monarchy – they wanted a new socialist world order!

Russia had no need for a Euorpean-style monarchy. Why? It’s simple, Russia was not European. The Russian Empire was Orthodox. On the day of his Holy Coronation in Moscow in May 1896, Nicholas II took a solemn oath before God to uphold autocracy in Russia, this is WHY he refused to share power or appease members of the Duma, which were made up mostly of left-wing or revolutionary factions.

Those who served the Tsar: Alexander Spiridovitch (1873-1952)

Posted on 10 Days Ago by Paul Gilbert

PHOTO: Alexander Ivanovich Spiridovich (1873-1952)

In 1906 Alexander Ivanovich Spiridovich was handpicked by Emperor Nicholas II to serve as his personal security chief, the position he served faithfully from 1906-1916. He was also responsible for the security of the tsar’s residences. He was a nan of honour, and one of the few men whom the Tsar put complete trust. Throughout his distinguished career, Spiridovich served his Sovereign faithfully and with honour.

He was born on 17th (O.S. 5th) August 1873 in the town of Kem, Arkhangelsk Province into the family of a hereditary nobleman. His father, Ivan Matveevich Spiridovich, was an officer of the border guard, his mother, Anna Alexandrovna, came from the family of the fabulist I. A. Krylov.

Alexander graduated from the Nizhny Novgorod Cadet Corps (1891) and the Pavlovsk Military School (1893), from where he was released as a second lieutenant in the 105th Orenburg Infantry Regiment. He was later promoted to lieutenant of the regiment. In 1899 he was transferred to the Separate Corps of Gendarmes

In 1900 he went to Moscow, where he was seconded to the Department for the Protection of Public Safety and Order, usually called the Guard Department and commonly abbreviated in modern English sources as the Okhrana [a secret police force of the Russian Empire and part of the Imperial police department under the Ministry of Internal Affairs], where he served under the command of Sergei Vasilyevich Zubatov[1] (1864-1917).

In 1902, he was appointed head of the Taurida security department in Simferopol in Crimea and in 1903, with the rank of captain, he took up the post of head of the Kiev security department. On 13th May 1903, he arrested the head of the combat organization of the Socialist-Revolutionaries, Grigory Gershuni[2], in Kiev. He was later promoted to lieutenant colonel.

On 28th May 1905, Spiridovitch was seriously wounded by his former secret collaborator, the Social Democrat P. M. Rudenko, after which he spent several months in treatment. On26th June, he was seconded to the staff of the Separate Corps of Gendarmes.

PHOTO: Tolstoy House, one of the residences
of Alexander Spiridovitch in St. Petersburg

At the beginning of 1906, Alexander was seconded to the palace commandant Dmitri Feodorovich Trepov[3] (1850-1906) and appointed head of the palace Security Agency. In 1907, he organized the protection of Emperor Nicholas II and his Family during a trip to the Finnish skerries. For distinction in service, Alexander Spiridovitch was promoted to colonel.

After the assassination of Prime Minister Pyotr Stolypin in 1911, Spiridovitch was involved in the investigation on charges of not taking measures to protect the chairman of the Council of Ministers, and, although his career was considered already over, he did not lose the trust of Nicholas II and was not relieved of his post. In 1913, the criminal case was terminated by the personal order of Nicholas II.

During the First World War, Alexander accompanied Nicholas II on all trips. In 1915, he was promoted to major general for distinguished service. He organized the protection of Nicholas II at the Headquarters of the Supreme Commander-in-Chief at Mogilev. On 15th August 1916, Alexander Spiridovitch was appointed mayor of Yalta in Crimea.

During the February 1917 Revolution, Spiridovitch arrived in Petrograd [4], where he was arrested by the Provisional Government, held in the Peter and Paul Fortress and interrogated by the Extraordinary Investigation Commission. In early October 1917, he was released from prison on bail in October.

In 1920 he emigrated to France. He was a member of the Russian Monarchist Party in Paris. In 1926, he participated as a delegate from France in the Russian Congress Abroad. While living in emigration, he gave numerous public lectures on the history of the Russian revolutionary movement and the struggle against it, as well as lectures on Emperor Nicholas II and his family.

During his years in exile, Alexander Spiridovitch published several books on these topics and his own memoirs, including Les Derniers années de la cour de Tsarskoïe Selo, Paris, Payot, 1928; Histoire du terrorisme russe, 1886-1917, Paris, Payot, 1930 and Raspoutine 1863-1916, Paris, 1936.

In 1950, at a meeting with the American Sovietologist Isaac Don Levine (1892-1981), he recognized as authentic a document proving that Joseph Stalin (1878-1953) was an agent of the Tsarist police.

In 1950, Spiridovitch moved to the United States, where he died in 1952 at the age of 78. He was buried at the Novo-Diveevo Cemetery – the largest the largest Russian Orthodox cemetery outside of Russia, situated in Rockland County, New York. His personal archives are today in the collection of Yale University.

NOTES

[1] Zubatov committed suicide during the February Revolution of March 1917 after hearing the news of the Emperor’s abdication.

[2] Grigory Andreyevich Gershuni (1870-1908) was a Russian revolutionary and one of the founders of the Socialist-Revolutionary Party. In February 1904, Gershuni was tried by a military court in St Petersburg and received a death sentence, which later was reduced to life imprisonment at a hard labour camp by Tsar Nicholas II.

[3] Trepov was Head of the Moscow police, Governor-General of St. Petersburg with extraordinary powers, and Assistant Interior Minister with full control of the police. His attempts to restore order were overwhelmed by the revolution of 1905; he retained influence with Nicholas II, when appointed as the Commandant of the Imperial Palace.

[4] In Petrograd [St. Petersburg] Spiridovitch lived in the Tolstoy House at 15-17 Troitskaya Street (now Rubinstein Street) and at 54 Fontanka Embankment in apartment 333

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PHOTO: the first French language editions of Alexander
Spiridovitch’s memoirs, published by Payot Paris

LAST YEARS OF THE COURT AT TSARSKOE SELO – 2 Volumes
by Alexander Spiridovitch

BOOK DESCRIPTION

Originally published in French in 1928, this is the FIRST ENGLISH LANGUAGE EDITION of both volumes – a MUST read for any one interested in the life and reign of Emperor Nicholas II.

Alexander Ivanovich Spiridovitch (1873-1952) was handpicked by Emperor Nicholas II to serve as his personal security chief from 1906-1916. He was also responsible for the security of the tsar’s residences.

His memoirs offer a rare eye-witness glimpse into the private world of the last tsar and his family and their day to day life. Thanks to his eye for detail, he Alexander Palace and Livadia Palace in detail, the Imperial yacht Standart and journeys through the Finnish fjords and to Livadia in the Crimea.

Spiridovitch writes candidly about his impressions of Emperor Nicholas II and family, as well as the grand dukes and grand duchesses. He also writes about his investigation of Grigorii Rasputin.

Spiridovitch and his men were highly recognized for their counter-terrorist work. His memoirs reveal the numerous plots to assassinate Nicholas II and other members of the Imperial family by terrorist groups working within Russia.

Spiridovitch was a pillar of honesty and trust, articulate, and intelligent, loyal to God, the Tsar and Mother Russia. He was truly a gentleman beyond reproach. His memoirs offer one of the most honest accounts of the character and personality of Tsar Nicholas II and life at the Russian Imperial Court in its twilight years.

*You can order this title from most AMAZON outlets, including
the United States, United Kingdom, Ireland, Canada, Australia,
France, Germany, Spain, Italy, Netherlands, Belgium, Poland, Sweden,
Brazil, Mexico and Japan

*Note: prices are quoted in local currencies

***

CLICK ON THE LINKS BELOW TO ORDER FROM AMAZON

LAST YEARS OF THE COURT AT TSARSKOE SELO
Volume 1
1906-1910

Volume I – 1906-1910, with 458 pages + 59 black & white photographs

CLICK HERE TO ORDER THE HARD COVER EDITION – PRICE $30.00

CLICK HERE TO ORDER THE PAPERBACK EDITION – PRICE $25.00

***

LAST YEARS OF THE COURT AT TSARSKOE SELO
Volume 2
1910-1914

Volume II – 1910-1914, with 480 pages + 65 black & white photographs

CLICK HERE TO ORDER THE HARD COVER EDITION – PRICE $30.00

CLICK HERE TO ORDER THE PAPERBACK EDITION – PRICE $25.00

OTHER PUBLICATIONS

The third volume of Alexander Spiridovitch’s memoirs cover the years 1914-1916. This book is only available in French and Russian.

In 1935, Spiridovitch also published a book about Grigorii Rasputin (1863-1916): from Russian documents and the author’s private archives » (published in 1935). It is a detailed biography based on his direct knowledge of the Russian Imperial Court. This book is only available in French and Russian.

Nicholas II Vintage Newsreels No. 16-20

Posted on 12 Days Ago by Paul Gilbert

This is the 4th installment of a new monthly feature to my blog: Nicholas II. Emperor. Tsar. Saint., which showcases the vast collection of vintage newsreels which are now available to watch on YouTube and other online media sources. I have taken the liberty of selecting another 5 interesting newsreels which depict Emperor Nicholas II and his family attending events in various cities throughout the Russian Empire.

Many of these newsreels include background music, with tunes of the Russian Empire or Orthodox music. Others are narrated in Russian, however, that should not deter the viewer from watching. You can turn on the English (or other language) subtitles by clicking on Google translate and then turn on the closed captioning [CC] button, found at the bottom of the newsreel. ENJOY!

No. 16 – Nicholas II’s visit to Helsinki

This newsreel is a short 1-minute video of Emperor Nicholas II’s visit to Helsingfors (Helsinki) in 1915. It is interesting to note, that this was his only visit to the Finnish capital during his 22+ year reign.

The video is an excerpt from a more than 10-minute silent film recorded by Oscar Lindelöf and later dubbed. The newsreel concludes with a view of the Imperial Family, standing on a hill overlooking Smolensk.

Duration: 1 minute, 15 seconds, in Finnish.

No. 17 – Nicholas II at meeting with officers and troops during the Great War

In this collection of newsreels from the Russian State Archive of Film and Photo Documents (RGAKFD), Nicholas II is present at military parades and reviews, talks with Russian generals during the First World War and other military events.

Highlights of this video included . . . At :51 the Tsar is reviewing troops in front of the Armoury in the Moscow Kremlin; At 2:52 the Tsar walks straight towards the camera, so we get a good close up look of his face and features. It is then repeated in slow motion; At 3:12 Nicholas is seen walking up the steps of the Catherine Palace to join the Empress and their children.

Duration: 3 minutes, 25 seconds with musical background

No. 18 – Piety of the Russian Tsar Nicholas II

A wonderful collection of vintage newsreels from the Russian State Documentary Film & Photo Archive at Krasnogorsk (RGAKFD). This is the second newsreel dedicated to Nicholas II’s piety (see No. 1, 5th February 2026.

Soundtrack: 1) Song «Tsar Nicholas» (written and composed by Gennady Ponomarev; sung by the famous Russian singer Zhanna Bichevskaya in 1999); 2) Fragment of the national anthem of the Russian Empire «God Save the Tsar» (another name: «The Prayer of Russians»; written by Vasily Zhukovsky in 1814, sung by Zhanna Bichevskaya).

Duration: 11 minutes, 24 seconds with musical background

No. 19 – Russian Imperial Family At Various Events (1910-1917)

A wonderful collection of newsreel clips, which depict Nicholas II and his family attending various events held in Russia between 1910-1917.

Duration: 2 minutes, 37 seconds. No audio.

No. 20 – Emperor Nicholas II amd the Imperial Russian Navy

The above video presents a collection of vintage newsreels from the Russian State Documentary Film & Photo Archive at Krasnogorsk (RGAKFD), which show Emperor Nicholas II with the Imperial Russian Navy as he reviews the squadrons, talks to the Russian sailors, officers and admirals, and participates in the other naval events.

Duration: 11 minutes, 57 seconds. No audio.

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Previous Post Featuring MORE Vintage Newsreels of Nicholas II

Nos. 11 – 15

Nos. 6 – 10

Nos. 1 – 5