ARTIST: Arthur Witherby
PUBLISHER: Published by Vanity Fair, London.
MEDIUM: Chromolithograph,
DATE: Jan. 4, 1894.
EDITION SIZE: Image size 10 9/16 x 15 3/16 inch" (27 x 39 cm)
DESCRIPTION: Grand Duke Michael Mikhailovich of Russia led a life that traversed the grandeur and turbulence of his era. Despite his familial ties to the Russian imperial court, his story is one of personal choices, challenges, and resilience. His military career bore witness to his dedication to duty, serving in conflicts such as the Russo-Turkish War of 1877. Rising to the rank of Colonel, he demonstrated his commitment to the Romanov tradition of military service. However, his decision to enter a morganatic marriage with Countess Sophie von Merenberg altered his trajectory dramatically. This union, though born out of love, led to his expulsion from the Russian Empire by Emperor Alexander III, stripping him of his military honors. Undeterred by these setbacks, Grand Duke Michael found refuge in various European locales before eventually settling in England. There, he integrated himself into British society, forging connections and leaving a mark on the cultural and social landscape. His choice of residences, such as Keele Hall and Kenwood House, reflected his refined tastes and aristocratic standing. The Vanity Fair print by Arthur G. Witherby captures the essence of Grand Duke Michael's presence in British society. Overall, the Vanity Fair tennis print of Grand Duke Michael Mikhailovich of Russia not only offers a glimpse into his recreational preferences but also contributes to the broader narrative of his life as a figure who straddled the worlds of royalty and ordinary leisure.
ADDITIONAL INFO:
CONDITION: Good condition and color.
REFERENCE:
Login / Register
Basket
