Colourized by Olga Shirnina, also known as Klimbim

This photograph of Nicholas II, standing at the window of the Imperial train is one of the most popular images of Russia’s last sovereign. It has been published in countless books and web pages, but is quite often misidentified at Pskov, after signing his abdication in “1917”. This is incorrect. 

The photograph, is one of a series taken at the Stavka military headquarters at Mogilev in 1915, by one of his daughters. It does not depict a man who has just signed over his throne, but that of a very well-composed Emperor and Tsar.

Click HERE to view more of Olga Shirnina’s excellent colourization of vintage photographs of famous Russians, including many images of Nicholas II and his family.

© Paul Gilbert. 4 February 2019