Magnificence of the Tsars

For a long time I didn't have any intention of going to see this exhibition but the joy of an Art Fund card is that the reduced admission price makes one more willing to take a chance. I'm very pleased that I did. It's a relatively small exhibition, focussing on ceremonial male dress at the Russian court, from the reign of Peter II to that of Nicholas II. As always, the first thing to notice is the comparatively small size of the clothing, though this is less surprising in the case of the adolescent Peter II. You can see the growth of the boy through the changing size of the outfits. By far the most beautiful (and well-preserved) item of clothing in is this section: a nightgown, which is actually much more like a kimono, in embroidered French silk which still shimmers in the light. The chasuble and coronation mantle from Nicholas II's reign are far more gaudy, and considered alongside various coronation herald's tabards they provide a vivid impression of the sumptuousness of that last coronation. The costume worn by Nicholas II at the 1903 Russian Ball meanwhile indicates the unbelievable luxury of the court, as do the heavily bejewelled boxes, buckles and swords. Dozens of diamonds, emeralds and rubies adorn these items. It's almost enough to make you weep when you think of the grinding poverty of the vast majority of the Tsars' subjects. The rulers could afford the finest craftsmanship from Europe and it shows. What we really need now is a complementary exhibition for the women's clothing at court.