Niklaus I, Emperor of Russia

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Nicholas I ruled Russia from 1825 until his death in 1855, earning a reputation as a staunch conservative whose reign was marked by aggressive expansionism, crushing dissent, stagnant economy, and disastrous wars that led to Russia's defeat in the Crimean War of 1853-56. He had a long-lasting marriage with seven children who survived childhood, leaving behind a legacy of family stability. Nicholas V. Riasanovsky describes him as resolute, single-minded, and unyielding, driven by an unwavering sense of duty and an intense work ethic. As a soldier, he was meticulous about every detail. With his chiseled features and high-strung personality, Nicholas I embodied the perfect autocrat: majestic, determined, powerful, hard as stone, and unstoppable like fate itself. Born into nobility, Nicholas ascended to power after his brother Alexander's death, despite the failed Decembrist uprising against him, becoming one of Russia's most reactionary leaders. 3D scans created with an Artec Eva aim to accurately replicate the original subject. While these digital representations strive for authenticity, minor deviations may occur due to inaccessible areas or other factors. Linn Ahlgren's photographs are licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 and can be found at the Nationalmuseum.