Thr briolette tiara is indeed magnificent, the swinging briolettes must have caught every eye with their fire. And Miechen would wear this and other headpieces, there is a photo with the tips of the sprays poking through circular holes cut into a kokoshnik along with other diadems and jewels!! Admittedly this photo is of MP in fancy dress costume, (not the 1903 costume ball (Tiara dated 1908 ) but similarly, 17th century in theme.) Wowee!!
Martyn, do you know of any photo's of these pieces worn, the Emerald aigrette, is stunning, love the upright drops (if that makes sense), but how were they worn, dead centre, set back from the hairline a'la tiara? Round the back decorating a chignon? Worn at the front it may look like a huge pair of bugs antennae!
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What is the role of a Grand Duchess? If you retire from that job, does that make you a better Grand Duchess?
Does one need to be seen to perform good works for them to be good. Ella spent her time administering to the poor, and Miechen organised a wealth of high profile fundraising charity- functions, Bazaars, Parties Cotillions and Balls. (Are these less worthwhile because they are happy, fun occasions despite the monies they raised for charity?)
The voluntary work I do is not done as a benefit to others ie, that is not the reason I do it, I do it because it needs to be done, it is something I have done for years, which I enjoy to do, I like the people I deal with and the "good" of it never enters the equation . It doesn't mean I work less hard at it, or have less successes. It certainly doesn't mean that I can look down on people who haven't or don't do things for others. That is conceit.
As Grand Duchesses I'm sure they both performed their respective duties admirably, only, the holier than thou Ella draws most praise 'cause everyone knew of her obvious efforts.
I can quite understand what MP refers to, with her "the chilly breath" quote, as I am sure I would feel less inclined to have a rip-roaring night out if it was in the presence of a Nun*. Not usually known for their love of excess, and what is a ball if not excess on the grandest scale. (*Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence excepted.)
But then you'll tell me on MP's part this was completely un-altruistic, only to further herself and her reputation.Certainly no benefit to anyone but herself.
I think not.
I myself sometimes wish she had the chutzpah to carry out her threat to Paleologue, and "exterminated" the Empress....we may still have Romanovs on the throne in Russia had that been that case.
If she'd acted in the December of 1916 when Rasputin was killed, and succeeded in putting...GD Dmitri P on the throne, for example-- (the Vladimirovichi plotters thought he would be best received by the country) the March Revolution may not have occured (between NII's arranged "abdication" , the new Emperor's coronation, changes to the government, a responsible ministry etc) and the Bolsheviks though barracking from outside all the while would have had to wait for the next viable opportunity (which with a progressive, strong, monarch, strong leadership of the Armed Forces etc may be years and years....1929??) to take hold in Russia,
You never know.
