Grand Duchess Maria of Russia was born on June 26, 1899, as the second daughter of Tsar Nicholas II and Empress Alexandra. She was a member of the Romanov dynasty, which ruled Russia for over three centuries. Maria was known for her artistic talents and her close bond with her family, particularly her younger brother, Alexei. During the Russian Revolution in 1917, the Romanov family was placed under house arrest. In 1918, they were executed by Bolshevik forces. Maria's life and tragic fate have become emblematic of the fall of the Russian monarchy and the tumultuous changes in Russia during the early 20th century.