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The Miraculous Rescue of Alexander III and the Imperial Family, 1888

1888
On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 556
On October 17, 1888, Alexander III (1845–1895) and the imperial family were aboard a train that derailed and crashed near the station of Barki. There were many casualties, but no member of the czar's family was hurt. Alexander personally directed rescue operations. To commemorate the incident this medal was created by the senior engraver of the imperial mint in Saint Petersburg, Avenir Gerliches. In 1886, when Alexander III wished to change the design of Russian coinage, the task was given to Gerliches. The format he created lasted until the Revolution of 1917.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: The Miraculous Rescue of Alexander III and the Imperial Family, 1888
  • Artist: Medalist: Avenir Crigorjewitsch Grilliches (Russian, 1849–1905)
  • Date: 1888
  • Culture: Russian
  • Medium: Bronze
  • Dimensions: Diameter: 3 1/2 in. (8.9 cm)
  • Classification: Medals and Plaquettes
  • Credit Line: Purchase, Friends of European Sculpture and Decorative Arts Gifts, 1995
  • Object Number: 1995.424.2
  • Curatorial Department: European Sculpture and Decorative Arts

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