Coronation of Emperor Alexander III in the Assumption Cathedral
Artist: Mikhail Mikeshin (Russian, 1835-1896)
Date: 1883
Medium: Watercolor and gouache on paper
Collection: The State Russian Museum, Saint Petersburg, Russia
Description
Mikhail Mikeshin captured the coronation ceremony that took place on May 15, 1883, under the vaults of the majestic ancient Assumption Cathedral, when the Emperor received the Church's blessing to exercise not only state but also ecclesiastical authority.
The moment is depicted when, after Alexander III had read the Creed and had the porphyry (mantle) and diamond chain of the Order of St. Andrew the First-Called placed upon him, the Emperor was presented with the “Great Crown,” and he solemnly placed it on his head.
Alexander III then crowned Maria Feodorovna with the "Lesser Crown" and ceremoniously presented her with the imperial regalia. The crowning ceremony was announced by the firing of one hundred and one cannons and the ringing of bells.
The act of coronation ended with the rite of anointing in front of the Royal Doors of the altar.