A superb large cabinet photograph of Grand Duke Alexei Alexandrovich, circa 1902, signed by him in French.

St. Petersburg photographer Pasetti

5 1/2 x 8 1/2 in. (14 x 21,6 cm)

Grand Duke Alexei Alexandrovich (1850 – 1908), son of Tsar Alexander II and uncle of Nicholas II.

Grand Duke Alexei started his military training at the age of 7. By the age of 20, he was already a lieutenant of the Russian Imperial Navy. In 1883, he was appointed General Admiral and served as the Commander-in-Chief of the Russian Imperial Navy. In 1871, Alexei Alexandrovich visited the United States as a goodwill ambassador, where he was received by president Grant.

In 1905, after the defeat of the Russian Navy by the Japanese in the Battle of Tsushima, he was relieved of his command. He died in Paris in 1908.

Grand Duke Alexei is wearing a full Navy uniform of General Admiral with a white cross of the Order of St. George and Suite badge with cipher of his brother Tsar Alexander III. His shoulder-straps are embroidered with three black double headed eagles and conjoined ciphers of Alexander II and Nicholas II. Grand Duke is holding a Navy dagger and cap.