On 14th June 2024, a small photo exhibition dedicated to Emperor Nicholas II and his family opened in Belgrade, the capital of Serbia. The exhibition Christian Love Is Stronger Than Death features 100 vintage black and white photographs.

The exhibition project was created with the desire and goal of introducing the personalities and deeds of the last Russian Tsar and his family to the Serbian people. The exhibition’s organizers hope to awaken the memory of the Imperial Family, get to know more closely about the life and sacrificial service of the last Russian Tsar, his wife and their five children. In doing so, the organizers made an effort in selecting photos which reflect the beauty of the Imperial Family, their everyday life and service for the benefit of the Fatherland and its people.

The exhibition consists of black-and-white photographs from historical archives and personal albums of the Imperial Family. The exhibition is thematically divided into three sections. The first section features photos of Nicholas II and his family, taking part in events, such as parades and processions, etc. This section of photos reflect all the beauty of the Slavic character, and also provides insight into the fashion and style of clothing from the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

The second second section features photographs from the personal albums of the Imperial Family, all of whom were avid amateur photographers. It is well known that Nicholas II was especially fond of photography. Many of these images are informal and taken spontaneous, often capturing their subject in natural settings, carefree, laughing and enjoying their close knit family time. In these photographs, visitors will see members of the Imperial Family walking and resting in the Alexander Park at Tsarskoye Selo or Livadia, the August children playing games, taking part in their favourite outdoor activities, etc. These photos are considered rare, only because they were taken by family members and never intended for public display.

The third and last section of the exhibition features photos of military themes. They depict the Emperor blessing his troops before going to war, trying out new weapons used by his army, presenting orders and medals, and introducing his son and heir to the secrets of warfare.

This section also includes photos of the Empress and her four daughters engaged in humanitarian work. They visited the wounded, helped sick soldiers with deeds and kind words. From their diaries, it is known that they assisted even in the most difficult operations. Their acts of mercy are documented while nursing soldiers.

The collection of photographs of the Imperial Family was provided by Hieromonk Ignatius (Shestakov), a brother of the Sreten Monastery in Moscow, who is also one of the exhibitions organizers.

The Christian Love Is Stronger Than Death exhibition runs from 14th to 20th June 2024 at at 17 Kralja Milana Street (across from Belgradeanka) in the Serbian capital.

***

*As I have noted in similiar posts, I support any initiative – big or small – to help keep the memory of Nicholas II and his family alive in post-Soviet Russia – PG

© Paul Gilbert. 18 June 2024