Artwork

The Coronation Ceremony of Tsar Nicolai II in Moscow. Sketch

The Coronation Ceremony of Tsar Nicolai II in Moscow. Sketch, by Laurits Tuxen, oil, 1898
The Coronation Ceremony of Tsar Nicolai II in Moscow. Sketch, by Laurits Tuxen, oil, 1898

The Coronation Ceremony of Tsar Nicolai II in Moscow. Sketch is an oil painting by the Impressionist artist Laurits Tuxen. It dates from 1898 and is held in the collection of the Statens Museum for Kunst.

About this work

Overview

Created in 1898 by Danish artist Laurits Tuxen, this oil sketch records the coronation of Tsar Nicholas II in Moscow. Executed as a historical scene, the work now belongs to the collection of Denmark’s Statens Museum for Kunst.

Subject & Meaning

The composition centers on the newly crowned emperor, shown in a white robe with a yellow mantle, standing on a raised platform amid a procession of dignitaries. The gathering conveys the ceremonial gravity of the imperial rite and the elaborate pageantry surrounding the accession of the last Russian tsar.

Technique & Style

Tuxen’s handling reflects the loose brushwork and vibrant palette associated with Impressionist tendencies, while still adhering to the conventions of academic history painting. Broad strokes of red and gold dominate the interior, giving the scene a textured, luminous quality that emphasizes the opulence of the setting.

History & Provenance

The sketch was produced shortly after the actual coronation, serving as a visual record of the event. It entered the Statens Museum for Kunst’s holdings in the early 20th century, where it remains part of the museum’s representation of Nordic artists working abroad.

Context

Tuxen, a member of the Skagen Painters, was known for portraiture and large‑scale group scenes. This work illustrates his ability to translate a political ceremony into a composition that balances documentary detail with painterly impression, bridging his Danish artistic roots with the broader European fascination with royal pageantry.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Laurits Tuxen

Artist

Laurits Tuxen

Laurits Regner Tuxen (9 December 1853 – 21 November 1927) was a Danish painter and sculptor specialising in figure painting.