GRAND DUKE NICHOLAS MIKHAILOVICH: (1859-1919) Grand Duke of Russia, grandson of Tsar Nicholas I. Nic...

GRAND DUKE NICHOLAS MIKHAILOVICH: (1859-1919) Grand Duke of Russia, grandson of Tsar Nicholas I. Nic...
GRAND DUKE NICHOLAS MIKHAILOVICH: (1859-1919) Grand Duke of Russia, grandson of Tsar Nicholas I. Nicholas was an eminent Historian and a Reformist, internationally recognized abroad, but fell from favour under Tsar Nicholas II, mostly because of the Empress Alexandra disliking his liberal views. Nicholas Mikhailovich was shot by Bolsheviks outside the St Peter & St Paul Fortress along with his brother and cousins. An excellent A.L.S., `Nicolas M´, three pages, 8vo, n.p., Wednesday, n.d., to Monsieur Detaille, in French. The letter bears an attractive embossed gilt crown to the heading. The Grand Duke states in part `I have a small request for you. I send you attached a portrait of a General of Division of the first Empire whose name I ignore and which Fr. Masson cannot determine… I am not at all in a hurry and kindly asks you to delay the shipment of the portrait..´ and further saying `Regarding the Bonaparte´s portrait painted by Gros, I will try to send it to you as soon as possible and I will take care of this matter as soon as I will be back in Russia.´ A letter of good association. EX £200-300 Edouard Detaille (1848-1912) French Painter and Military Artist, noted for his precision and realistic detail. Frederic Masson (1847-1923) French Historian. Antoine-Jean Gros (1771-1835) Baron Gros. French neoclassical Painter. Gros studied under Jacques-Louis David. Forced to leave France, he moved to Genoa where he witnessed the nearby Battle of Arcole in 1796. Inspired by an event during the battle, he produced the portrait of French Commander Napoleon Bonaparte, then a newly promoted general. The portrait brought Gros to public attention and gained the patronage of Napoleon.