St Basil's Cathedral, Moscow

The Coronation of Alexander II (1818–81), planned for September 1856, was regarded as a diplomatic event of critical importance due to the recent conclusion of the Crimean War. A special diplomatic mission representing Queen Victoria was therefore sent to attend the ceremony. Led by Lord Granville (1815–91), the party also included a photographer, Corporal Mack (1827–64) of the Royal Engineers, chosen to document the visit. This is one of the 19 photographs that Mack personally presented to Queen Victoria on their return.

Mack's photograph captures the cathedral with its splendid system of illumination arranged for the Coronation of Alexander II. Another member of the party wrote: 

Every dome and every minaret was lighted up in the most beautiful manner […] all the architecture […] showing its outline in glittering lights. They have no gas, but glass pots full of tallow with a wick in them.

Lieutenant Colonel Maude