Georgia Museum of Art gallery guide Philip Bond shared one of his favorite works of art from the exhibition “Gifts and Prayers: The Romanovs and Their Subjects.”
Many will remember this cigar box from the exhibition “Gifts and Prayers: The Romanovs and Their Subjects.” That exhibition recently traveled to Texas for a show at the El Paso Museum of History, and the objects in it just arrived back at the Georgia Museum of Art. There were many wonderful works of art in that exhibition. A highlight was this cigar box that was given to Tsar Alexander II at the time of his coronation.
According to the exhibition catalogue, written by Asen Kirin, the museum’s Parker Curator of Russian Art, Alexander II’s father, Tsar Nicholas I, detested tobacco and actually proclaimed laws against its use, even in public. After his death, his son Alexander II eased the laws. By the time of Alexander’s coronation, “clouds of tobacco smoke added to the aura of freshness surrounding Alexander II’s assent to the throne,” notes Kirin.
One is awestruck by the size of the cigar box, which is adorned on the front with a double-headed eagle, two self standing figures and 55 framed miniatures or coats of arms that showcase Russia’s provinces or domains. According to Kirin, the placements of the coats of arms do not have any strict order. He did note that Moscow and St. Petersburg, the old and new capitals, “received a place of distinction above all other provinces.”
The cigar box is also quite impressive when it is opened. Inside, the front and top showcase five shelves, capable of holding 50 cigars. While the cigar box is open, the two self-standing figures remain in place, as if standing guard.
I have not had a chance to see the cigar box in person, but I hope to soon. Kirin is planning additional exhibits of the wonderful Russian collection that the museum is fortunate to have in its holdings, thanks to generous donors.
Authored by:
Phillip Bond
