Three Grand Duchesses: What a Photo Can Reveal

This photograph seem captures in a nutshell the personalities and experiences of the three youngest grand duchesses—Tatiana, Maria, and Anastasia Nikolaevnas. Tatiana is above Maria (left) and Anastasia. They are young children, playing (horsing) around.
The hair colors are interesting—Tatiana’s hair, thought to be the darkest, seems to be in the middle, while Maria’s is the darkest, and Anastasia’s is light and shining. The lighting always confuses us! Also, they are literally rolling on the ground—very royal and sophisticated, eh?
Tatiana is on top of the pyramid, signaling her position as the Governess. Her brows are creased in concern (like a mother!) as she stares at the camera in disapproval. Sheesh. Known for being serious (especially to strangers), she doesn’t seem to want Maria and Anastasia to have any fun.
Maria’s face is partly obscured by the shadows in her hair—she’s always been docile and self-conscious. Like Tatiana, she doesn’t seem like she’s having a lot of fun. Poor Maria, always feeling left out.
Anastasia grins at the camera even as she rolls on the ground. Shvybzik, ever daring! Unlike Tatiana or Maria, she is carefree and happy. It’s like she is ignoring them, the independent Shvybzik that she is.
Of course, it’s merely a coincidence that the photo ends up showing so much about them. Or is it? … I hope to find one of these for Olga. Good-bye for now! 

Tags: tatiana nikolaevna, maria nikolaevna, anastasia nikolaevna