Russians in Paris: St. Petersburg - Paris, 1800-1830

On 6 December, 2003, in the Alexander Hall (room No. 282) of the Winter Palace opened an exhibition dedicated to two Emperors, Alexander I and Napoleon I. This is the finale of an extensive Russian-French program celebrating the 300th anniversary of St. Petersburg, which was opened by the exhibition of Russian and French art When Russia Spoke French, patronized by French President Jacques Chirac and Russian President Vladimir Putin.

The Hermitage show focuses around two Emperors, Alexander I and Napoleon I, who shaped the history of Europe in the early 19th century. Both their personal lives and statesman’s activities were intertwined with the grandiose battle of the two great powers.

The exhibition presents a wide panorama of spiritual, political and cultural contacts between Russia and France. About 130 exhibits including paintings, drawings, sculptures, medals, orders, coins, and applied art, from George Dawe’s portrait of Alexander I to Antoine-Jean Gros’ Napoleon Bonaparte on Arcole Bridge, tell about the two great men. The Emperors’ personal belongings and memorabilia are given a prominent place in the exhibit.

The general’s coat of Alexander I was made for him in 1814 or 1815 by French tailors. Some of the magnificent arms showed in the exhibit belonged to the Russian and French Emperors. The show includes things used by Napoleon in his exile on St Helen and memorabilia associated with Empress Josephine.

The exhibition is centered around the unique vase Russia, made to celebrate the 15th anniversary of Napoleon’s defeat and to honor the memory of Alexander I.

An illustrated catalogue has been published by Slaviya. Prefaced by Director Mikhail B. Piotrovsky, it is authored by V.M. Faybisovich of the State Hermitage Museum. The exhibition curator is V.A. Fedorov, Director of the Russian Culture Department.

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V.M. Faybisovich, Senior Curator of of the State Hermitage, one of the exhibition's curators