Photograph of Alexander III, Emperor of Russia (1845-94) and his consort Maria Feodorovna, Empress of Russia (1847-1928) with their children Tsesarevich Nicholas (1868-1918), later Nicholas II, Grand Duke George Alexandrovich (1871-99), Grand Duchess Xenia Alexandrovna (1875-1960), Grand Duke Michael Alexandrovich (1878-1918) and Grand Duchess Olga Alexandrovna (1882-1960) at the Gatchina Palace. They are gathered around a stone staircase with a wrought iron fence. Alexander II is standing on the upper terrace, lifting up Grand Duchess Olga. Grand Duchess Xenia is standing beside him to the left and Tsesarevich Nicholas is leaning on the fence beside him to the right. Maria Feodorovna is standing at the top of the staircase and Grand Duke George at the bottom. Grand Duke Michael is sitting on the head of a sphinx in front of the staircase. After the assassination of his father Alexander II in St Petersburg, Alexander III was advised to make the more isolated Gatchina Palace his main residence.