In 2003, the Bryansk artist Evgeny Fetisov painted this picture specifically for the museum collection. It depicts Emperor Alexander II. The years of his reign were marked by large-scale reforms that affected all spheres of public and political life. He became known in history as the Liberator — the emperor received this name for the implementation of the most complex Emancipation Reform of 1861 that put an end to serfdom in Russia.

During his reign, land, judicial and military reforms were also carried out. They created an opportunity for the fast development of market relations and the rapid industrialization of the country.

In addition, the reign of Alexander II was marked by a number of important diplomatic victories and undertakings, in which Alexander Gorchakov, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Fyodor Tyutchev’s associate, distinguished himself. His efforts ensured the annexation of the territories of the Caucasus, Kazakhstan, and most of Central Asia to Russia. For many years, Tyutchev remained Gorchakov’s advisor and took part in the affairs of the ministry.

The poet’s life is closely connected with Alexander II. On April 17, 1818, his father Ivan Tyutchev decided to introduce him to Vasily Zhukovsky, who stayed in the cell of the Chudov Monastery. When they entered the Kremlin gates, ‘bells and cannons announced to them the birth of a baby at that very hour — the future Tsar, Tsar Alexander Nikolaevich. This event made a strong impression on the young Tyutchev.’ Exactly 55 years later, the poet dedicated his poem ‘April 17, 1818’ (‘In the early days of my dawn …’) to this event.

The poet’s eldest daughter Anna, who later became the educator of the emperor’s children, was the maid of honor of the Empress Maria Alexandrovna, wife of Alexander II. Tyutchev also had friendly relations with the members of the imperial family. In one of the poet’s letters to his wife Ernestine, he described his meeting with Alexander II in 1867, ‘He was approaching, I was overwhelmed with excitement, and when he stopped and spoke to me, he shared this excitement as well, and we kissed. The Emperor asked me about all the family members with his usual kindness and ease.’

The poet dedicated several poems to Alexander II: ‘Emperor Alexander II’, ‘Alexander II’, ‘April 17, 1818’.