What Became of Peter's Dream?: Courtculture in the Reign of Nicholas II

What Became of Peter's Dream?: Courtculture in the Reign of Nicholas II image
ISBN-10:

1928825036

ISBN-13:

9781928825036

Author(s): Odom, Anne C.
Released: Jan 01, 2003
Format: Paperback, 112 pages
to view more data

Description:

What Became of Peter’s Dream? focuses on the Boyar Ball of 1903, illustrating with objects the jarring inconsistencies between the westernized society of the Romanovs and the old Russian customs that Nicholas II hoped to recapture. From the traditional Russian costumes to the heirloom jewels that they wore to this festive gathering, the members of the Court of Nicholas II seemed out of touch with the real world that we now know was in historic transition. Bedecked in costumes designed by Sergei Diagilev and jewels by the firm of Faberge, they celebrated a world that Peter had rejected. Detailed descriptions of the accoutrements and possessions of the court make tangible the complex interweave of Russian imperial tradition, spiritual aspiration, and cultural efflorescene on the eve of the Revolution. Three hundred years after the founding of St. Petersburg, we see an intimate view of the culture dramatically swept away in the forces of history. Picture frames, portraits, jewels, desk sets, cigarette boxes, icons, Easter eggs, gifts of state--even a glass vodka bottle--tell a nuanced and complex story. Drawn primarily from the collections of Marjorie Merriweather Post and a family descended from the Romanovs themselves, the objects present a vivid view of life at home as well as life at court. Published on the 300th anniversary of the founding of St. Petersburg, this book looks at the cultural ambitions and contradictions in Russia on the eve of the Revolution.

Low Price Summary






Top Bookstores


























We're an Amazon Associate. We earn from qualifying purchases at Amazon and all stores listed here.

DISCLOSURE: We're an eBay Partner Network affiliate and we earn commissions from purchases you make on eBay via one of the links above.

Want a Better Price Offer?

Set a price alert and get notified when the book starts selling at your price.

Want to Report a Pricing Issue?

Let us know about the pricing issue you've noticed so that we can fix it.