Tattoos are a popular form of body art and self-expression, and they often hold personal significance to the person wearing them. However, some tattoos carry a historical or cultural weight that can intrigue people beyond their artistic value. One such tattoo is that of Tsar Nicholas II, the last emperor of Russia, who ruled from 1894 until his abdication in 1917. His image has been immortalized in numerous forms, including paintings, sculptures, and photographs, but his portrayal as a tattoo has its own unique history and symbolism. This article delves into the story behind the Tsar Nicholas II tattoo, its significance, and how it has evolved over time.
Ideas for Making a Tsar Nicholas II Tattoo
Contents (Click to Jump)
Portrait: A portrait of Tsar Nicholas II with his signature and the dates of his reign (1894-1917).
Eagle: A depiction of the Imperial Eagle with a crown and the initials “N II” for Nicholas II.
Family Crest: A combination of the Romanov family crest and a depiction of the tsar’s face.
Coronation Crown: An image of the Tsar’s coronation crown with the words “Tsar Nicholas II” beneath it.
Portrait: A portrait of Nicholas II in military uniform with the dates of his reign.
Family: A depiction of the tsar with his family, including his wife Alexandra and their children.
Portrait Idea 2: A portrait of Nicholas II with the words “Autocrat of all the Russias” in Russian beneath it.
Quotes: A tattoo of Nicholas II’s famous quote, “I am not yet ready to be Tsar. I know nothing of the business of ruling.”
An Important Event: An image of the tsar’s assassination, such as a depiction of the Ipatiev House in Yekaterinburg where he was murdered.
Monograms: A tattoo of Nicholas II’s monogram, with the initials “N II” intertwined in a decorative design.
Meanings of Tsar Nicholas II Tattoos
Loyalty: Loyalty to the Romanov dynasty and the history of imperial Russia.
History: A fascination with the life and reign of Tsar Nicholas II as a historical figure.
Commemoration: A commemoration of the tragedy and historical significance of the tsar’s assassination.
As a Tribunal: A tribute to the tsar’s personal virtues, such as his strong religious faith and devotion to his family.
Respect: A symbol of respect for the Tsar’s military service and leadership during World War I.
Culture: A reflection of the wearer’s interest in Russian history and culture.
Political Stability: A reminder of the importance of political stability and leadership in times of crisis.
Rebellion: A statement of rebellion or dissent against the Bolshevik revolution and the Soviet government.
Complexity: A representation of the complexity of historical figures and the controversy surrounding Nicholas II’s reign.
Legacy: A celebration of the tsar’s enduring legacy and cultural impact in Russia and beyond.
Tsar Nicholas II’s Tattoos
Dragon Tattoo on Left Arm
Before he ascended to the throne as Czar, Nicholas made a journey to Japan in 1891. Despite being subjected to a failed assassination attempt, he endured a challenging voyage. Interestingly, during his time in Japan, he acquired a dragon tattoo that required seven hours to complete. Interestingly, he made an entry in his journal saying,
April 16. Tuesday. I woke up to a beautiful day, the shore was beckoning. The streets and houses in Nagasaki make a wonderfully pleasant impression: everything is perfectly cleaned and looks tidy, it is a pleasure to enter their houses and the Japanese and Japanese women themselves are such cordial and friendly people. We returned to the frigate at 5 o’clock for tea. After dinner, I decided to have a tattoo of a dragon on my right arm, which took exactly seven hours, from 9 pm to 4 am, to complete! It is enough to go through this kind of pleasure once to discourage me from embarking on it again. The dragon turned out quite well. And my hand did not hurt at all!”
The exact motive behind the heir’s decision to get a tattoo is uncertain. Nonetheless, it is speculated that Nicholas may have been influenced by Albert Victor, Duke of Clarence and Avondale, who inked a similar design during his own trip to Japan in the late 1870s. Various conjectures exist regarding why the heir selected a dragon as his tattoo design. One such theory proposes that the dragon symbolizes attributes like potency, resilience, and sagacity. Thus, the black dragon may represent the heir’s might and provide symbolic protection to its bearer. Another hypothesis suggests that the dragon was a natural selection for the prospective Emperor, given that he was born in the year of the dragon, as per the Chinese zodiac.