Regal Portrait of Grand Duchess Anastasie, 1910s

This photograph features Grand Duchess Mikalovitsch, also known as Anastasie, captured between 1910 and 1915 by a Bain News Service photographer. The Grand Duchess was a member of the Russian imperial family, famously known for her noble lineage and connection to the last Tsar, Nicholas II. Born into the House of Romanov, which ruled Russia for over three centuries, she represents a critical moment in Russian history, where the opulence of the monarchy faced the impending turmoil of revolution.

The period of this photograph was marked by significant social and political changes in Russia. The early 20th century was characterized by growing unrest and demands for reform among the populace. The Russian Empire was experiencing industrial growth and modernization, yet many were suffering from economic inequality. The image highlights the prominence and privilege of royal figures like Grand Duchess Mikalovitsch during a time when the institution of monarchy would soon come under severe scrutiny, leading to the abdication of Nicholas II in 1917 and the eventual fall of the Romanov dynasty.

This photograph, as a glass negative, serves as a historical document, providing insight into the lives of the Russian aristocracy before the upheaval of World War I and the subsequent Russian Revolution. It encapsulates a fleeting moment in the life of a royal figure, reminding us of the complex and tumultuous history that defined early 20th century Russia.