Figure 1.--Here is a portrait of the Tsarevich Alexander as a boy (1827). He would have been 9 years old. The portrait is attributed to George Dawe, an English portratists. He is known for painting 329 portraits of Russian generals active during Napoleon's 1812 invasion of Russia.

The Tsarevich Alexander was educated by private tutors. He endured rigorous military training that permanently damaged his health. Tsarevich's education was placed in the hands of the liberal romantic poet and gifted translator Vasily Zhukovsky. Zhukovsky not only tutored the Tsarevich, but played a major role in introducing the Romantic Movement into Russia.This seems somewhat strange given the conservative atmosphere of the court. His education touched on great many subjects. He acquired a varied competence in important European languages. He seems to have had little interest in military affairs which also seems unusual. Zhukovsky may have been a factor here. The Crimean War (1853-56) may also have been a factor. The War adversely affected his ownb family, but Russia as a whole. Alexander went on a 6-month tour of the Russian Empire (1837). At the time, a grand tour of Western Eurooe was more expected. Aklexanbder visited 20 provinces of the Empire. He also visited many Western European countries (1838-39. Alexander became the first Romanov Tsarevich to visit Siberia (1837). While touring Russia, he also befriended the then exiled poet Alexander Herzen and pardoned him. Some historians believe that it was Herzen's influence that led to the Tsar's abolition of serfdom.

Created: 1:24 AM 1/6/2019
Last updated: 1:24 AM 1/6/2019