Emperor Nicholas II on Horseback WC Painting signed G. Diakoff

Emperor Nicholas II on Horseback WC Painting signed G. Diakoff

This watercolor features who we believe may be a "Young" Nicholas II on horseback in full military dress. In his early years, Nicholas has been shown with just a thin moustache. As he grew older he is seen with a moustache and full beard.
 Following the death of his father Emperor Alexander III (1845-1894),Nicholas Alexandrovich Romanov (May 18,1868- July 17,1918) ascended the throne as Russia’s last monarch on November 2, 1894. Emperor Nicholas II ruled Russia for more than twenty-two years: from November 2, 1894 to March 15, 1917. 

Some fun facts about Nicholas II:

Nicholas II spoke three languages fluently: Russian, French and English, and could speak German and Danish. Nicholas II was the most widely travelled of the Romanov emperors. 

In 1890-91, he embarked on a journey around the greater part of the Eurasian continent. The Eastern journey of took Nicholas to Greece, Egypt, India, Ceylon, Siam, China, and Japan. He then travelled across the expanse of the Russian Empire to St. Petersburg. During the autumn of 1896, Nicholas II accompanied by his wife made a tour of Europe, which included visits to Denmark, Germany, Austria, France and Great Britain. During his reign, Nicholas made additional visits to Denmark, Britain, France, Italy, Austria, and Sweden.

He received the best of military and legal education. He served in the army with the rank of colonel. When high-standing members of the military tried to convince him to take the rank of general, Nicholas allegedly answered, “Gentlemen, you need not worry about my rank. You’d better be thinking about rising through the ranks yourselves.”

Watercolor Framed measures: 9 5/8" x 12"