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 diplomatic mission visited Peterhof Palace, near St Petersburg, to be presented to the Emperor and Empress prior to their Coronation. The photograph shows some members of the party amongst a group of local serfs, whose archaic social status might have attracted curiosity and generated fascination in the visiting party.