deluxe morocco binding

Tsar Nicholas II's coronation in the elaborate deluxe binding designed by Samokish complete with the gold medallion.

The present album is one of the greatest achievements of the Russian presses, a lavish commemoration of the coronation of Tsar Nicholas II and Alexandra Fedorovna on 14 May 1896. Published three years after the event it gives a history of the house of Romanov as well as a detailed description of the ceremony itself, including the grand procession through Moscow before the crowning at the Dormition Cathedral. The numerous plates include copies of opulent menus and gala programmes, some designed by Vasnetsov and mostly printed by Levenson in Moscow, as well as views of the ceremony and photographic reproductions of noble families and delegations present. Illustrations were provided by some of the best artists of the time such as Benois, Repin and Serov.

Deluxe French edition, 2 parts in 1 vol.; folio (44 x 32 cm); numerous plates, including chromolithographs and photographic reproductions, some with gold printing, some double-page or folding including the large menu designed by Vasnetsov, many illustrations in the text, decorative initials, head- and tailpieces, some printed in red and gold, many by Samokish, original tissue guards; original green morocco decorative binding by Samokish with metal portrait medallion to upper cover, binding a little scuffed, a very good copy.