Alexandra’s library 387 was a corner room located
between Nicholas’ valet and bathroom and was decorated in purple.
The only known photograph (below) of the Library on the 3rd
Floor taken at the time of the 1917 revolution.
Alexandra hung two paintings presented to her by Karl
Briullov, the brother of Alexander Briullov, the Winter Palace architect: ‘Italian
Morning’ and ‘Italian Midday’. Briullov completed both paintings in Italy in
1823.
‘Italian Morning’ received rave reviews in1823 from
the Italian public, followed by members of the Society for the Encouragement of
Artists in St. Petersburg. ‘Italian Midday’ was shown later in 1827 and received
a lot of unflattering reviews. Critics felt that the model was not elegant and did
not match the ‘classical ideals of’ beauty.
Karl Briullov’s ‘Italian Morning’ (below)
Karl Briullov’s ‘Italian Midday’ (below)
It is unknown why Nicholas decided to place Alexandra’s
library in the pass-through room of his suite.
The 1917 photo is disturbing with its broken windows and scattered papers on the floor. Something terrible happened.
ReplyDeleteIt is the only known photo of the Library and was taken at the time of the revolution in 1917.
ReplyDelete