Museum level rarity - chromolithograph depicting Emperor Nicholas II of Russia, Empress Alexandra Feodorovna, and their four daughters: Olga, Tatiana, Maria and Anastasia.
The youngest, Anastasia, appears as an infant, which allows the image to be dated to circa 1902–1903 (she was born in 1901).
Such prints were issued in Moscow by the Sytin Printing House and widely known in popular culture as “folk icons”, often displayed prominently in homes before the Revolution 1917.
After 1917, almost all examples of this kind were destroyed within the Soviet state, making surviving pieces exceptionally scarce.
Artwork
Chromolithography is a 19th early 20th century color printing technique that uses multiple lithographic stones - one for each color - to produce richly detailed images.
This print retains vivid color and clarity, close to original condition, with slight age patina consistent with its time.
Printed caption (translated from Russian):
His Imperial Majesty Emperor Nicholas Alexandrovich
Her Imperial Majesty Empress Alexandra Feodorovna
Her Imperial Highness Grand Duchess Olga Nikolaevna
Her Imperial Highness Grand Duchess Tatiana Nikolaevna
Her Imperial Highness Grand Duchess Maria Nikolaevna
Her Imperial Highness Grand Duchess Anastasia Nikolaevna
Frame
The hand-carved wooden frame dates from the late Imperial period, painted black with bronze highlights.
The ornamentation combines stylized acanthus and shell motifs, decorative elements typical of end of 19th century Russian craftsmanship.
The back reveals the original hand-joined pine structure, showing tool marks and authentic aging.
Details
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Date: ca. 1902–1903
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Origin: Moscow, Sytin Printing House
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Technique: Chromolithography on paper
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Frame: Carved and painted wood, black and bronze
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Image size: 15 × 10 cm
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Frame size: 24 × 19 cm
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Weight: 320 g
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Condition: Excellent preserved condition of chromolithograph; frame shows minor wear consistent with age
Historical Context
These prints were produced for private devotion and patriotic display in Russian homes.
They bridged portraiture and religious iconography, reflecting deep emotional attachment to the Imperial family before their tragic fate.
Today, examples of this kind are museum-level rarities and valuable pieces of Russian visual culture from the early 20th century.
