Sergei Konstantinovich Zarianko (1818-1870)

Sergei Zarianko painted Tsarevich Nikolai Alexandrovich six times, including four times from Denier's photograph depicting the sitter in different uniforms. The present painting depicts the heir to the Russian throne wearing the uniform of the Lifeguards Grodno Hussar regiment for which he was Colonel-in-Chief. Born in 1843, Grand Duke Nikolai Alexandrovich was the eldest son of Alexander II and was heir to the throne. Of fragile health he died in 1865 in Nice. He was engaged to Princess Dagmar of Denmark who later became the wife of Tsar Alexander III as Empress Maria Feodorovna.