Regalia of the Russian tsars

Like many other monarchies, the Russian Empire had vast collection of regalia belonging to the Tsars. This collection is now on display in Kremlin in Moscow.[1]

Russian historical regalia in Kremlin, part of showcase.

Oldest Russian regalia

Main article: Monomakh's Cap
Two oldest Russian crowns - "Cap of Monomach" and Kazan Crown.
Ivory throne of Ivan IV

Regalia of Boris Godunov

Scepter and orb are magnificent creations of West-European jewelry of Late Renaissance. By the way, the enamels on relief technique was not known to Russian goldsmiths of that time. There are reasons to consider the scepter and orb to belong to the set of gifts, brought to Tsar Boris Godunov in 1604 by the Great Embassy of Rudolf II, Emperor of the Great Roman Empire. The scepter and orb, miraculously survived through the Time of Troubles, must have been used in 1613 in crowning of Michael Fyodorovich, first Tsar of the Romanov Dynasty. For later on during the whole reigning of Michael Fyodorovich they were unique regalia of the kind and belonged to the so-called "Grand set" (precious tsars attire) complex of especially valuable regalia. Later "Grand set", which, except for the state regalia, included an armour set, that accompanied the Tsar in processions, e.g. military companies and hunting.

Regalia of Michael Fyodorovich

The crown of "Grand set" - "Astrahan crown"
"Grand set": the crown of Michael Fyodorovich with orb and sceptre of Boris Godunov.

Also "Grand set" consist from various precious armament and equipment, survived in Kremlin Armoury. Most important from these things are:

"State helmet" on picture of 19th century
Broadsword of Tsar Michael Fyodorovich on picture, 19th century.

After Tsar Mikhail Fyodorovich death in Kremlin Armoury were given his personal jewels and equipment, not applied to "Grand set". Most important from them are:

Regalia of Alexis Mikhailovich

New Tsar Alexis Mikhailovich ordered his regalia mostly in Turkey and Persia in 1650-s - 1660-s. His "Grand Set" consists of:

Also a private treasury of Alexis Mikhailovich consisted of:

Diamond throne of Tsar Alexis Mikhailovich, in Kremlin Armoury.

Also, Tsar Alexis Mikhailovich had various personal military equipment of his own "Grand set". Now these artefacts are on display in Kremlin Armoury, most famous of them are:

Tsars' regalia 1660s-1680s

In 1682 Russia received two so-rulers - Ivan V Alekseevich and Peter I Alekseevich. Both of them had own jewels (but one throne).

Old Believer Priest Nikita Pustosviat Disputing with Patriarch Joachim on Matters of Faith. Painting by Vasily Perov(1880). Behind - stand silver double throne.
Picture of altabas crown, c. 1835.
Young Russian Tsar with "Cap of Monomakh", sceptre of Alexis Mikhailovich and orb of Boris Godunov.

Surviving regalia of imperial time

Empress Anna Ivanovna with her crown, portrait by Louis Caravaque.
State sword and shield on Russian post stamp.
Main article: Orlov (diamond)
Maltese crown of Emperor Pavel I in Kremlin.
Pavel I as Grand Master of Knights of Malta. Portrait by S.Tonci.

Ancient regalia in Russian Great State Coat of Arms

Until 1917 several ancient regalia served as heraldic crowns of various lands, consisted of Russia.

Great State Coat of Arms of Russian Empire. Presented drawing of Artist Igor Barbe, 2006, "Greater Coat of Arms of the Russian Empire" 1882-1917

Disposition of crowns on Great State Coat of Arms:

Also, Maltese crown served as heraldic until 1803. Now it saves in coat of arms of only one Russian town - Gatchina.

References

  1. Kvasha, Semyon (1 May 2013). "Treasures of Imperial Russia on display in Moscow and St. Petersburg". Retrieved 19 September 2014.

See also

External links

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Great Imperial Crown.