Tsarism Collection (#3)

PETER THE GREAT OF RUSSIA (1672-1725): copper engraving by Jakob Houbraken (1698-1780)

ALEXANDER I (1777-1825). Czar of Russia, 1801-1825. Line and stipple engraving, English, 1817

CZAR ALEXANDER I OF RUSSIA (1777-1825). French copper engraving, early 19th century

NICHOLAS I (1796-1855). Czar of Russia, 1825-1855. Line and stipple engraving, English, 19th century

PETER III (1728-1762). Czar of Russia, 1762. Stipple engraving, early 19th century

PETER THE GREAT OF RUSSIA (1672-1725) when a shipwright in Holland, c1697. Contemporary Russian colored engraving

IVAN VI ANTONOVICH (1740-1764). Czar of Russia. Copper engraving, English, 1800

ALEXANDER III (1845-1894). Czar of Russia, 1881-94. Wood engraving, English, 1881

CZAR PETER I OF RUSSIA (1672-1725). English steel engraving, early 19th century

EUDOXIA LOPUKHINA (1669-1731). First wife of Czar Peter the Great of Russia. Preparing for her wedding in 1689. Line engraving, 19th century

CATHERINE THE GREAT (1729-1796) at the head of her army: wood engraving, English, 19th century

FYODOR I IVANOVICH (1557-1598). Czar of Russia, 1584-1598. Shown in his robes of state with the arms of Moscow. Contemporary line engraving

RUSSIA: POGROM, 1881. Assault on a Jew in the presence of the military, at Kiev. Wood engraving from an English newspaper, 1881

PETER III (1728-1762). Czar of Russia, January-July 1762. Copper engraving, English, 1800

PETER THE GREAT (1672-1725). Czar of Russia, 1682-1725. Steel engraving, English, early 19th century

RUSSIAN ANARCHISTS, 1881. Members of the anarchist revolutionary group Narodnaya Volya (Peoples Will) on their way to the scaffold in St

ALEXANDER II (1818-1881). Czar of Russia, 1855-1881. Steel engraving, 1871, after the painting by Alonzo Chappel

PETER THE GREAT OF RUSSIA (1672-1725) cutting the sleeves of the Boyars. Wood engraving, 19th century

CATHERINE II (1729-1796). Empress of Russia (1762-96). Copper engraving, 1800

RUSSIA: MOSCOW, 1896. The city of Moscow illuminated for the coronation of Tsar Nicholas II, 1896. Watercolor, 1899

RUSSIA: REVOLUTION OF 1917. A 1917 May Day parade in Petrograds Palace Square, with soldiers hailing the overthrow of tsarism with a banner reading Down With the Old

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"Exploring the Legacy of Tsarism: A Glimpse into Russia's Imperial Past" Tsarism, a system of autocratic rule that dominated Russia for centuries, left an indelible mark on the nation's history. From Peter I to Nicholas II, the tsars shaped Russia's destiny and influenced its trajectory on the world stage. Peter I, also known as Peter the Great, was a visionary leader who transformed Russia into a formidable power. Even before ascending to the throne in 1682, his curiosity took him abroad to learn shipbuilding techniques in Holland. This engraving captures his early years as a shipwright and foreshadows his later achievements. In stark contrast stands Nicholas II, whose reign marked both opulence and turmoil. Detained at Tsarskoye Selo Palace during the tumultuous events of 1917, this photograph depicts him surrounded by armed guards—a symbol of growing unrest within Russian society. The Romanov family played a significant role in tsarist history. In this poignant black-and-white photo from 1905, we glimpse their lives before tragedy struck. Little did they know that their fate would be intertwined with Ivan the Terrible's portrait—an engraving capturing one of history's most infamous rulers known for his brutal reign. Cossacks were integral to tsarist rule; their colorful engravings depict these fierce warriors who guarded Russia's borders and expanded its territories through military might. Their loyalty to various tsars is evident throughout history—whether it be Michael I or Alexander III—who navigated complex political landscapes while maintaining control over vast lands. Even beyond Russian borders, tsarism had far-reaching effects. The first World War brought about significant changes across Europe—including Poland—where battles raged on Eastern fronts. As wars unfolded and alliances shifted, tsarist influence extended beyond national boundaries. As we delve deeper into Russian history, we encounter the enigmatic figures who shaped tsarist rule.