Re: portraits (paintings) of Nikolai II Aleksandrovich #2

[Kalafrana]

Nice irony there!

Ann

[Alexandre Mikhaelovitch]

Isn't it  ? !!! Ah ah !!

[Inok Nikolai]

Portrait of Lenin Reveals Hidden Portrait of Tsar Nicholas II !!!!



Here the article from Paul Gilbert blog , Royal Russia : http://www.angelfire.com/pa/ImperialRussian/blog/index.blog/1453090/portrait-of-lenin-reveals-hidden-portrait-of-tsar-nicholas-ii/

A clarification:

The portrait of Tsar Nicholas II was not discovered under the painting of Lenin, but rather on the other side of the canvas.

Originally the Tsar's portrait had been the front side. After the Revolution, his portrait was covered in plain paint, the canvas turned around, and Lenin's portrait was then painted on what had been the back of the canvas.

Recently, while restoring Lenin's portrait, the restorers noticed the toe of a boot poking out from under the blank coat of paint on the "back" (front) of the canvas.
Cleaning revealed the original painting of Tsar Nicholas II.
Lenin's portrait is still intact on the other side.

They plan to preserve both portraits and frame it in such a way that both are visible -- as a sort of memorial or commentary on the times.

[edubs31]

Portrait of Lenin Reveals Hidden Portrait of Tsar Nicholas II !!!!



Here the article from Paul Gilbert blog , Royal Russia : http://www.angelfire.com/pa/ImperialRussian/blog/index.blog/1453090/portrait-of-lenin-reveals-hidden-portrait-of-tsar-nicholas-ii/

A clarification:

The portrait of Tsar Nicholas II was not discovered under the painting of Lenin, but rather on the other side of the canvas.

Originally the Tsar's portrait had been the front side. After the Revolution, his portrait was covered in plain paint, the canvas turned around, and Lenin's portrait was then painted on what had been the back of the canvas.

Recently, while restoring Lenin's portrait, the restorers noticed the toe of a boot poking out from under the blank coat of paint on the "back" (front) of the canvas.
Cleaning revealed the original painting of Tsar Nicholas II.
Lenin's portrait is still intact on the other side.

They plan to preserve both portraits and frame it in such a way that both are visible -- as a sort of memorial or commentary on the times.

Interesting. I'm amazed how cleaning up a portrait that's been covered in paint for decades can be brought back to life in such a way.

Far as I'm concerned Lenin's likeness can remain on the backside and covered for the next, oh, 95-100 years. But that's just me.

[rgt9w]

What are the patches on the canvas. Are they old patches where holes were in the canvas prior to being painted with Lenin's portrait? Was the canvas sliced at some point?

[Inok Nikolai]

What are the patches on the canvas. Are they old patches where holes were in the canvas prior to being painted with Lenin's portrait? Was the canvas sliced at some point?

The patches are parts of the paint which had been covering the painting. They have been left there temporarily as reference points for the restorers.

The school authorities couldn't remember themselves for certain, but years ago a student either fell against the painting and tore the bottom, or hit it with something.

Recently, when they began to repair that tear, they discovered the portrait of Tsar Nicholas II on the other side.

[rgt9w]

Thank you Inok Nikolai for the clarification! I appreciate it. What a great discovery of historical importance.

[Kalafrana]

This is all very interesting. While I'm no fan of Lenin, I like the idea of preserving and displaying both portrraits as a commentary on the times. And to complete the job, they had better keep some of the white paint and show the restoration process as well.

Ann

[Maria Sisi]

Nicholas and Family 1903. Zichy

arthermitage.org

Nicholas and Alexandra. Zichy


Nicholas II and author near the tree, on which Alexander III carved the letter " A ". Zichy

[Maria Sisi]

Nicholas II as a child. 1883 Tuxen


1884 Tuxen.


National Historical Museum, Frederiksborg, Hillerod

[Ally Kumari]

I suppose this is meant to be a scene from the Ipatiev House

[edubs31]

I suppose this is meant to be a scene from the Ipatiev House

Nice painting, but if the Ipatiev is the artist's intent they don't relatively portray Alexei here. It appears Alexandra is holding a little boy in this picture. 13-year old Alexei was much taller than this.

Aside from that I like the way the artist seems to capture the emotion of the period. Despair, stress and boredom for the imperial family while held at the House of Special Purpose.

[Kalafrana]

Good point. Alexei was by then almost 14, and, to judge from photographs taken at Tobolsk, nearly as tall as his father, so around 5ft 4 - 5ft 5.

Ann

[KarinK]

Nice painting, but if the Ipatiev is the artist's intent they don't relatively portray Alexei here. It appears Alexandra is holding a little boy in this picture. 13-year old Alexei was much taller than this.

Going to the source, the Russian text seems to say "eve of arrest." This doesn't look like it's meant to be a very accurate portrayal of a location, more like something that evokes the mood of captivity, but I'd guess that it's the Alexander Palace because of the large room.

In general, modern paintings and icons tend to portray Maria, Anastasia and Alexei as looking noticeably younger than in their 1917 photos.

[edubs31]

Nice painting, but if the Ipatiev is the artist's intent they don't relatively portray Alexei here. It appears Alexandra is holding a little boy in this picture. 13-year old Alexei was much taller than this.

Going to the source, the Russian text seems to say "eve of arrest." This doesn't look like it's meant to be a very accurate portrayal of a location, more like something that evokes the mood of captivity, but I'd guess that it's the Alexander Palace because of the large room.

In general, modern paintings and icons tend to portray Maria, Anastasia and Alexei as looking noticeably younger than in their 1917 photos.

And in that sense the painting is a winner in my opinion. Certainly the mood and tension come through.