The Coronation of Alexander II, 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, the party also included a photographer, Corporal Mack of the Royal Engineers, chosen to document the visit. This is one of the nineteen photographs that Mack personally presented to Queen Victoria on their return. The Queen described him as 'a remarkably intelligent, well educated young man'.

This beautifully composed photograph shows three figures balancing on floating tree trunks on the River Moskva with the 17th-century Church of St Nicholas the Wonderworker in the background. The central figure in full highland dress, flanked by two serfs, is possibly a member of Lord Granville's diplomatic mission.