portraits (paintings) of Nikolai II Aleksandrovich

[Nicola De Valeron]

This posted illustration is unfortunately reversed.  Regards,  AP

I can only add and say: poor all Guards Imperial Russian Regiments from Preobrazhensky to 13th Erivansky. Simply at all paintings main amount of this beautiful Russian military uniforms are not only reversed, but also strongly changed to even complete unrecognizable. I remember sometime ago I've seen a painting (something about start of the 20th century) with the Russian Officer with traditional colour of Preobrazhensky Reg., military cap of Izmailovsky, sleeve style of 4th Rifle of HIM and epaulets from Russian Imperial Navy! It was very hard to watch;).

[RomanovsFan4Ever]

However from what I understand, modern paintings/illustrations are almost always uncorrect, both for the physical representation of the subjects and for the representation of uniforms, and the one that I posted in reply #328 it's a modern painting, and I also have the impression that it could be a free re-interpretation of a famous formal photograph of Nicholas II...This one:

http://inlinethumb57.webshots.com/1080/2758036380101857556S600x600Q85.jpg[/IMG][/URL]

[aleksandr pavlovich]

Regardless of the "free re-interpertation" of the subject, somethings are de regiueur, especially the placement of the ribband of St. Andrew (over the right shoulder), bar medals somewhat center and left, etc. The illustration (#328) as posted is simply reversed. Check such against other illustrations shown.    Regards,  AP

[Kalafrana]

I agree. Free reinterpretations are all very well, but getting the basics right is essential. I.E decorations in the right place, uniform details correct.

Ann

[Laura Mabee]

This is very interesting RomanovsFan4Ever! Do you know where this is located or who drew/painted it?

[Nicola De Valeron]

Ann, AP and RomanovsFan4Ever, you all slightly misunderstood me, because I didn't meant exactly about that painting in the case of inaccuracy, it's only just reversed. I've only meant that the main number of different paintings in the case of Imperial Russian Military/Navy in general are very far from original. But anyway, I think that people who like to research Russian uniform commonly deal with the real photos with their correct details, than with beautiful paintings;).

Btw, on this photo and reversed painting (which is done very accurately regardless mirror reflection and you can see all the details) posted by RomanovsFan4Ever, Nicholas II is in the Colonel's uniform of Imperial Naval Guard. Sorry that I posted them again.

[RomanovsFan4Ever]

This is very interesting RomanovsFan4Ever! Do you know where this is located or who drew/painted it?

Unfortunately I don't know, I'm sorry. :- (

Ann, AP and RomanovsFan4Ever, you all slightly misunderstood me, because I didn't meant exactly about that painting in the case of inaccuracy, it's only just reversed.

Actually I was talking about modern paintings "in general", not specifically about that one, although since I usually take modern paintings carefully I thought that there was something wrong in it too, but thank you for the clarification.

[Michael HR]

This is maybe my favourite portrait of Nicholas II.

This has always been my favorite picture of the Emperor. Just seems so very human and vulnerable in this one. Might one day have a decent print made and hang on the walls/

Michael 

[aleksandr pavlovich]

Attention Reply #337:  As you probably know, it is by Valentin Serov, who also painted a number of notables of his era, including the famous one of Felix Youssoupov, (Jr.) holding his pet dog. I feel certain that there is a photograph showing that posing.  Back to the Nicholas II portrait: Somewhere in the dim recesses of my memory, I BELIEVE that there were TWO (essentially a duplicate) of this pose of the Emperor by Serov, but one was destroyed in the later chaos.  Reproductions are available on the internet, ranging in quality from "reasonable" to "hack."  Regards, AP

[Nicola De Valeron]

Thanks for the interesting information, AP. Valentin Serov is with no doubt very talented Russian painter. I like his portraits, but I didn't knew about exactly that painting of Nicholas II made by him.

Nicholas II is in the Colonel's uniform of Imperial Naval Guard.

Oops, I've just discovered my stupid mistake! I wonder why no one noticed it. Of course not a Colonel, but equivalent, Captain of the 1st rank (or simply Naval Captain). This thing sometimes happens when you are totally covered with Infantry, Artillery, Cavalry, different Guard, Naval, Table of ranks at the same time late at night;).

[Ally Kumari]

Attention Reply #337:  As you probably know, it is by Valentin Serov, who also painted a number of notables of his era, including the famous one of Felix Youssoupov, (Jr.) holding his pet dog. I feel certain that there is a photograph showing that posing.  Back to the Nicholas II portrait: Somewhere in the dim recesses of my memory, I BELIEVE that there were TWO (essentially a duplicate) of this pose of the Emperor by Serov, but one was destroyed in the later chaos.  Reproductions are available on the internet, ranging in quality from "reasonable" to "hack."  Regards, AP

I have read somewhere Alexandra did not really like this portrait. The style semed too modern to her and just not according to her taste. I´mnot sure if that´s true though.

[aleksandr pavlovich]

Re Reply #340:  Possibly true, but the one criticism I recall (source long forgotten) was that it seemed "unfinished."  Personally, I find it quite striking, perhaps typifying the Emperor more than we realize, when shorn of the more gaudy external trappings.    Regards,  AP

[Tasia]

Btw, on this photo and reversed painting (which is done very accurately regardless mirror reflection and you can see all the details) posted by RomanovsFan4Ever, Nicholas II is in the Colonel's uniform of Imperial Naval Guard. Sorry that I posted them again.

It looks like a photograph!!
Are the colors of NII uniform right?

[Nicola De Valeron]

It looks like a photograph!!
Are the colors of NII uniform right?

Well, nearly incorrect;). But on the other hand, at least it's not red and this is good! Real colour of the Naval Guard's Crew uniform is darker, even almost black.

[Tasia]

Thanks, Nicolá!