Antique Imperial Russian Order of St George Menu Tsar Alexander III Romanov 1893

A large and exceptionally fine antique Imperial Russian chromolithographed dinner menu, designed by the celebrated Russian artist Viktor Mikhailovich Vasnetsov (1848-1926) for the annual feast of the Knights of the the Imperial Military Order of St George, celebrated on 26th November 1893 for Tsar Alexander III.

The tradition dated from the institution of the Order of St George by Catherine the Great on 26th November 1769 — explaining the prominent '1769' at the foot of the design. The feast was observed annually at the Imperial Court, with surviving menus specifically described as being for the St George knights together with military and civil officials. 

It is printed by the Cartographic Establishment of A.A. Ilyin, St Petersburg, whose imprint appears lower right. 

The magnificent neo-Russian composition is dominated by St George the Victory-Bearer slaying the dragon, surrounded by medieval Russian ornament. Below are the crowned AIII monogram, the Cross and orange and black ribbon of the Order of St George, and the Imperial Russian double-headed eagle. The extensive use of metallic gold and silver is particularly effective.

The menu itself includes consommé Americaine and Peter the Great soup, pirozhki, trout, roast venison, cold quail, punch, roast young Indian turkeys, salad, whole asparagus, timbale brioche with fruit, St George ice cream,  and dessert. The special St George ice cream is actually documented as recurring on these Imperial St George feast menus. 

1893 was the last St George's Day of Tsar Alexander III reign

Size: 24.5 x 38.5 cm approx