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  Nicholas and Alexandra - The last Tsar and
Tsarina This large exhibition from the State Hermitage has been named after the last Russian emperor, Nicholas II and his wife Alexandra Fedorovna. It is devoted to an important and tragic period in Russian history. This is the story of the last emperor, his family and entourage. The exhibition also tells us about various aspects of life in the Russian Imperial Court, one of Europe’s most brilliant over the course of two centuries. "Nicky 1902 looking at the Hussars 17 March": this is a remark which someone scratched onto a window pane of the Winter Palace with the help of a diamond cutting edge. The phrase combines pomp and familiarity, the two sides of the last emperor’s life in a palace which became a museum. Hussars were the symbol of tradition in court life, receptions, grand processions, military and religious ceremonies, and balls. The English nickname Nicky suggests quiet family life, the good feelings of friendship, paternal, matrimonial and maternal joys and grief. The exhibition is divided into several themes: childhood and marriage, the coronation, the church, the state, life at the court, and the denouement. Among the exhibits on display are many objects once belonging to the imperial family and decorating the tsarist residences in Petersburg and the suburbs of Tsarskoye Selo and Peterhof. There are a great many paintings, water colors, engravings, and sculptures as well as magnificent costumes, uniforms and other articles of clothing, and rare photographs, all of which acquaint visitors with the major events in the life of Nicholas II and Alexandra: their wedding, the coronation, court festivals, balls and masquerades. These exhibits also provide a glimpse of Russia’s capital, Petersburg, one of the most beautiful cities in the world. |
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Copyright © 2011 State Hermitage Museum |
