The Regalia of the Russian Sovereigns Symbols of supreme power.
Regalia (from the Latin regalis, “belonging to the king”), symbols of monarchical power, hold a special place among state treasures. The oldest of them became part of the treasury long ago, and now to be found in the Armoury. Two-headed eagle. Moscow, Kremlin workshops, 1680.
The first ceremonial consecration of a grand prince in the history of Russia took place five hundred years ago, at the end of 15th century, during the reign of Ivan III, when the unification of Russian lands under the rule of Moscow was largely completed. Consecration-посвящение
The consecration of Dmitry, proclaimed heir to Ivan III, took place on 4 February, 1498, in the Dormition Cathedral in the Moscow Kremlin. The culmination of this ceremony came when Dmitry was attired in barma and crown- the famous Cap of Monomakh- the very first attributes of supreme power in the state of Moscow.
Barmas of Tsar Alexey Mikhailovich. Istambul, 1662 Cap of Monomakh. The Orient, larte 13th –early 14th century.
From 1547- the year of the consecration of the first Russian Tsar, Ivan Vasilyevtich ( the Terrible)- up to the end of the 17th century, the Cap of Monomakh was used at the consecration of every Russian sovereign. It became the most honored attribute of royal power, symbolizing the responsibility of the tsar to his subjects.
Remember the words by Pushkin: ”Oh, how heavy you are, Cap of Monomakh”. Portrait of Tsar Mikhail Fyodorovich. Crown, sceptre and orb of tsar Mikhail Fyodorovich
Kazan Cap of Tsar Ivan the Terrible
Portrait of Tsar Ivan the Terrible H. Vaigel. Nuremberg, Second half of the 16th century.
Diamond Cap of Tsar Ivan Alexeyevich. Moscow, Kremlin workshops. 1680s
Diamond Cap of Tsar Peter the Great. Moscow, Kremlin workshops, 1680s.
“Platno” (state robe) of Tsar Peter the Great. Moscow, Kremlin workshops, 17th century Cross of Tsar Peter the Great
Portrait of Tsar Peter the Great. Netherlands 1698 P.Van Gunst
The history of Russia in the late 17th century is echoed in the long name “Cap of Monomakh of the Second Order”.
Following the death of the childless Tsar Fyodor Alexeyevich in April, 1682, the throne was to pass to his brother, the fifteen-year old Ivan Alexeyevich. The Boyar Duma (concil) proclaimed the younger brother of Fyodor and Ivan, the ten-year old Tsarevich Pyotr, tsar. Later both brothers were proclaimed tsars. During the consecration of them, the ancient Cap pf Monomakh was placed on the head of Ivan and the Cap of Monomakh of the Second Order, specially made on that occasion , was placed on the head of Peter.
Double throne of Tsar Ivan Alexeyevich And Pyotr Alexeyevich. Moscow, Kremlin workshops 1680s
The state sword 17th century. In 1742, during the coronation of Empress Elizabeth, the state sword made its first appearance. It served to remind the monarch of the royal duty to defend good and punish evil. The Russian state sword was made over a period of time. Its blade dates back to the 17th century while the handle and the sheath date to the 18th century. The design of the handle is heavily ornamental, consisting of eagle heads and crown cast in silver.
The State shield (17th cent.).
It is difficult to say precisely when the state shield was first used in a coronation ceremony, but it is possible that this also dates back to the 18th century. The shield has traditional circular shape, and it is covered with red and velvet decorated with agraffes made of jade, rock crystal and colored stones, mainly 17th century Turkish work. Jade-жадеит
At the coronation ceremony held at Uspensky (Assumption) Cathedral Catherine the Great appeared a true empress. She was wearing a crown and was carrying a sceptre in her right hand and orb in her left one.
Imperial Sceptre Imperial Sceptre ( a small mace symbolizing the Absolute power) carried at the coronation ceremony by Catherine the Great did not live to our times. The one made at the beginning of 1770s is exhibited at the Diamond Fund. Mace-жезл
Imperial Orb This orb was made in 1762 for Catherine the Great. The Indian diamond of the first water weighing approximately 50 carats was mounted at the cross of ribbons, and a huge Ceylon sapphire of 200 carats crowned the orb.
Great Imperial Crown (1762) This symbol of monarchy power was made by J.Pauzie. It weighs 1097 grams, contains 4936 diamonds (2858 carats) and is toped by a dark red spinel beneath a diamond cross. Two delicate silver hemispheres constituting the royal crown are adored with a chain of big gleaming pearls. spinel –шпинель (минерал)
Small Imperial Crown. It weighs 378 grams : there are 48 big (from 2 to 9 carats) and 20 small diamonds in it. Crown Of Empress Anna Ioannovna. St Peterburg, 1730