Lot 2: JOSEF IOSEFOVICH CHARLEMAGNE, 1824-1870 THE FUNERAL OF TSAR NICHOLAS I, 1855

watercolour over pencil on paper heightened with gouache

CATALOGUE NOTE

Charlemagne's watercolour gives a striking depiction of the pomp and ceremony of an Imperial funeral. The troops of the St. Petersburg garrison would line the route of the cortège, while the Emperor, the heir and the Grand Dukes followed the hearse in order of seniority. Behind them came the dignitaries of the court and the diplomatic corps with a detachment of mounted Guards following at the very rear of the procession. The funeral cortège would stop at every church along its way, where a short ceremony for the deceased would be performed.

image size: 27.5 by 41.5cm., 10ѕ by 16јin.