These stunning colorized photographs of the Romanov royal costume ball of 1903 breathe new life into Russian history

Erin McDowellJun 18, 2020, 02:41 IST

Historian Olga Shirnina says it's a passion project of hers.Olga Shirnina

Colorist, professor, and historian of the Romanov dynasty Olga Shirnina is bringing photos from the Romanov costume ball of 1903 back to life.
Using new technologies and research into the fashions of the time, Shirnina has been able to restore these black and white images back to their former glory.
From opulent headdresses to bejeweled gowns, these colorized images prove just how awe-inspiring the Romanov's most opulent ball truly was.

The Romanov dynasty, and most notably the reign of Tsar Nicholas II, is most well-known for its opulent parties and the mystery surrounding Grand Duchess Anastasia, who many believed survived the family's politically fueled execution in 1918.

A book titled "The Romanov Royal Martyrs" is bringing new life to the famed royal family, featuring newly colorized images from the costume ball of 1903.

Though it can be a lengthy process to research the colors of the clothing worn during this time period, colorist, professor, and historian of the Romanov dynasty Olga Shirnina explains it's a passion project of hers.

"I do the ball images just for my own pleasure, and I take time to do it right," she told Insider. "Colorizing these images is very interesting work and I really enjoy it."

Here are 17 colorized photographs of the Romanov royal costume ball of 1903.

The Romanov costume ball of 1903 is commemorated in an album of black and white photos.

Tsar Nicholas II. Olga Shirnina

The photos from the costume ball are particularly notable as this was the grandest celebration held by Tsar Nicholas II, the last emperor of the Romanov House.

Tsar Nicholas II. Olga Shirnina

The Romanov family's execution is even more well-known for the legend of Anastasia Romanov, the youngest daughter of Nicholas II and Empress Alexandra, pictured.

The Tsar’s wife Empress Alexandra Feodorovna Romanov. Olga Shirnina

Prior to the family's deaths, the Romanovs were known for their opulent parties.

Princess Elisabeth Obolensky. Olga Shirnina

The party included a concert, dinner, and dancing.

A costume ball attendee. Olga Shirnina

Participants' costumes included everything from brocaded capes to headdresses and bejeweled gowns.

Mademoiselle Alexandra Taneeva. Olga Shirnina

The costumes would have been extremely expensive at the time, as royalty and Russian nobility came together to dance and celebrate the dynasty's anniversary.

Princess Olga Orlova. Olga Shirnina

More prestigious members of the emperor's court, like this lady-in-waiting and her sister, were also allowed to attend.

Anna Vyrubova, a lady-in-waiting, with her sister. Olga Shirnina

The colorized images of the opulent costumes bring to life the extravagance of the costume ball.

Princess Zinaida Yusupova. Olga Shirnina

Traditional, choreographed dances like the Russian dance, round dance, and plyasovaya were performed.

Countess Elisabeth Cheremetew. Olga Shirnina

Empress Alexandra Fedorovna and Grand Duchess Elizabeth Fedorovna acted as "judges" of the dancing.

Princess Zinaida Yusupova. Olga Shirnina

Baroness Emma V. Fredericks, the maid of honor of Their Imperial Majesties, is pictured wearing a towering beaded headdress and a fur-lined cape.

Baroness Emma V. Fredericks. Olga Shirnina

The tsar's sister, Ksenia Alexandrovna, dressed as a boyar's wife.

Grand Duchess Ksenia Alexandrovna of Russia. Olga Shirnina

However, while party-goers danced and feasted the night away, trouble was brewing in Russia.

Princess Barbe Dolgorouky. Olga Shirnina

Colorizing these images is not an easy task, Olga Shirnina told Insider.

Countess Fersen. Olga Shirnina

Colorizing guests' costumes relied on extended research into what people would have worn during that time period.

Madame Tatistchew. Olga Shirnina

"Many of the dresses were a stylization of old boyar clothes, so I looked at paintings and stylizations of Russian folk dresses," she told Insider.

Countess Elisabeth Moussine-Pouchkine. Olga Shirnina

The finished product gives lovers of Russian history — and those fascinated by the Romanov empire – insight into what attending one of their opulent parties might have been like.

Cornette Kolioubakine. Olga Shirnina

The finished product gives lovers of Russian history — and those fascinated by the Romanov empire – insight into what attending one of their opulent parties might have been like.

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These stunning colorized photographs of the Romanov royal costume ball of 1903 breathe new life into Russian history

The Romanov costume ball of 1903 is commemorated in an album of black and white photos.

The photos from the costume ball are particularly notable as this was the grandest celebration held by Tsar Nicholas II, the last emperor of the Romanov House.

The Romanov family's execution is even more well-known for the legend of Anastasia Romanov, the youngest daughter of Nicholas II and Empress Alexandra, pictured.

Prior to the family's deaths, the Romanovs were known for their opulent parties.

The party included a concert, dinner, and dancing.

Participants' costumes included everything from brocaded capes to headdresses and bejeweled gowns.

The costumes would have been extremely expensive at the time, as royalty and Russian nobility came together to dance and celebrate the dynasty's anniversary.

More prestigious members of the emperor's court, like this lady-in-waiting and her sister, were also allowed to attend.

The colorized images of the opulent costumes bring to life the extravagance of the costume ball.

Traditional, choreographed dances like the Russian dance, round dance, and plyasovaya were performed.

Empress Alexandra Fedorovna and Grand Duchess Elizabeth Fedorovna acted as "judges" of the dancing.

Baroness Emma V. Fredericks, the maid of honor of Their Imperial Majesties, is pictured wearing a towering beaded headdress and a fur-lined cape.

The tsar's sister, Ksenia Alexandrovna, dressed as a boyar's wife.

However, while party-goers danced and feasted the night away, trouble was brewing in Russia.

Colorizing these images is not an easy task, Olga Shirnina told Insider.

Colorizing guests' costumes relied on extended research into what people would have worn during that time period.

"Many of the dresses were a stylization of old boyar clothes, so I looked at paintings and stylizations of Russian folk dresses," she told Insider.

The finished product gives lovers of Russian history — and those fascinated by the Romanov empire – insight into what attending one of their opulent parties might have been like.