The Coronation of Nicholas II and Alexandra Fyodorovna Laurits Tuxen 1853-1927 1895 Oil on canvas 66 x 87.5 cm The coronation of Nikolay Alexandrovich and Alexandra Fyodorovna took place on May 14, 1896, at the Assumption Cathedral in the Moscow Kremlin. This ceremony was an important state occasion, for it signified acknowledgement of the monarch's power over Russia and consecration of that power by the Church. Nicholas II, Alexandra Fyodorovna, and Dowager Empress Maria Fyodorovna are shown standing on a special platform set with thrones. Among the people depicted are the Romanovs' relations from among the royal families of Europe. The artist chose to show the moment when Metropolitan Palladius of St. Petersburg invited Nicholas to recite The Symbol of Faith. The coronation ceremony was followed by a liturgy with the Emperor taking communion at the altar. Church bells rang out and a 101-gun salute was fired to announce the end of the coronation ceremony to the public outside the Cathedral. In keeping with tradition, after the ceremony the Emperor presented awards, remitted arrears, and pardoned prisoners.