1870-s Imperial Russia - Grand Duchess Alexandra Iosifovna , wife of Grand Duke Constantine Nikolaevich. Genuine vintage CDV, The photo measures 2 1/2" by 4", and is in excellent condition. The photographer is Desmaison in Paris.
Александра Иосифовна (8 июля 1830, Альтенбург — 6 июля 1911, Санкт-Петербург) — великая княгиня, жена великого князя Константина Николаевича.
Познакомилась с великим князем Константином Николаевичем, когда он приехал в Германию на свадьбу своей сестры Ольги Николаевны. Константин был страстно влюблен в неё, написав родителям : «Она или никто». В октябре 1847 года приехала в Россию. В феврале 1848 года перешла в православие. 11 сентября 1848 состоялась свадьба в Зимнем дворце. Семья жила в Павловске, Стрельне и Мраморном дворце.
Александру Иосифовну по праву считали одной из придворных красавиц. Огромные голубые глаза, рыже-золотистые волосы, прямой нос и красивый рот — так выглядела молодая великая княгиня. Красота и элегантность девушки произвели впечатление на императора Николая I, известного ценителя женской красоты. Вот только интеллектом она не блистала, хотя пользовалась большим уважением всех четырёх императоров, при которых ей довелось жить в России. В семейном кругу её называли «тётя Санни».
In the summer of 1846, she met Grand Duke Konstantin Nikolayevich of Russia when he visited Altenburg. He was the second son of Nicholas I, Emperor of Russia, and Empress Alexandra Feodorovna, née Princess Charlotte of Prussia.
Konstantin stayed for a few days at Alexandra’s father’s castle. His visit there had been arranged by Alexandra’s aunt, Grand Duchess Elena Pavlovna, who had been born Princess Charlotte of Württemberg. Elena and Alexandra's mother were both descended from Frederick II Eugene, Duke of Württemberg. Elena was married to Grand Duke Michael Pavlovich, the younger brother of Tsar Nicholas I. Elena Pavlovna was therefore Konstantin’s aunt by marriage and Alexandra’s aunt by birth. Elena was a strong influence over Konstantin, who admired her intellect and progressive views. She had literary interests and was musical, founding the Saint Petersburg Conservatoire, and the young Konstantin often spent time at Elena's home and salon in Saint Petersburg.
Konstantin was intellectual and liberal, whereas Alexandra was conservative and rather high spirited. Although their temperaments differed, they both shared an interest in music, and enjoyed playing duets at the piano. Konstantin was captivated by Alexandra's youthful beauty: she being tall, slender and attractive. He quickly became besotted, and was eager to marry her "I don't know what is happening to me. It is as if I am a completely new person. Just one thought moves me, just one image fills my eyes: forever and only she, my angel, my universe. I really do think I’m in love. However, what can it mean? I've only know her just a few hours and I'm already up to my ears in Passion". She was only sixteen and Konstantin nineteen; they were engaged but had to wait two more years before they could finally marry.
ITEM # 1568
PRICE $ 195.00 *** ON SALE NOW $ 125.00 ***
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