FRANCE
RUSSIA
AND
10
TOGETHER
CENTURIES
2
1
17.09.21 - 09.01.22
FRANCE
RUSSIA
AND
10
TOGETHER
CENTURIES
Exhibition hall of the Assumption Belfry
Exhibition hall of the Patriarch's Palace
2
1
17.09.21 - 09.01.22
EXHIBITION
The display dedicated to the centuries-old history of Russian-French relations includes more than 200 pieces, among which are archival documents, personal belongings of the heads of state, diplomatic gifts and works of art. Throughout centuries they have been carefully kept by the museums, archives, libraries of both countries and above all by the royal treasury – the Armoury Chamber of the Moscow Kremlin. The exhibition opens with a unique document, recalling the events of the 11th century when the Old Russian and French ruling dynasties intermarried: the daughter of the Great Prince Yaroslav the Wise became the spouse of King Henri I. This manuscript from the funds of the National Library of France dates
back to the year 1063 and has a Cyrillic inscription, presumably an autograph by Anna, daughter of Yaroslav. In 1896 a copy of this document was presented to Emperor Nicholas II during his official visit to Paris. At the same time, the Russian monarch had an opportunity to see the so-called Reims Gospel that in the 19th century was associated with Anna Yaroslavna, while a part of it was written in Cyrillic letters in Church Slavonic. The President of the Russian Federation Vladimir Putin presented a facsimile copy of the manuscript to the President of France Emmanuel Macron during the official visit in 2017. The Reims Gospel, being a symbol of friendly relations between the two countries, is one of the key objects of the display.
Beginning with the 17th century, when the first tsars’ embassies were sent to France, the Russian-French ties gradually started to strengthen, and after the visit of Peter the Great to Paris constant diplomatic relations were established between two great powers. It is symbolic that the drawing by Desmarets “Peter I and Louis XV in Paris on 11 May 1717”, being one of the key objects of the show, was presented by Charles de Gaulle, Chairman of the Provisional Government of the French Republic then, to the USSR leadership in 1944 as a diplomatic gift.In the 18th century, the political dialogue was followed by purchasing French jewellery, pieces of fine art and sculpture, arms and fabrics. Talented masters were invited from France to Russia. The fascination of the Russian imperial court with French art and luxury can be traced by the presented arrases, ceremonial
masterpieces of French armourers, including a pair of pistols of Emperor Peter III by the royal armourer La Roshe. Portraits from the collection of the Pushkin State Museum of Fine Arts create a gallery of outstanding political and cultural figures who lived during the rule of Elizaveta Petrovna and Catherine the Great: Russian ambassador in France Duke Golitsyn D.M. and his wife, famous Galloman and ‘Voltairian’ Count Shuvalov A.P., as well as a son of King Louis XV – Dauphin Louis. A section devoted to the epoch of Catherine the Great includes items of the well-known ‘Orlov’ silver service by Roettier and precious inkstand with watches of Paris workmanship that belonged to the Empress. Unique pieces from the collection of the ‘Pavlovsk’ Museum and Heritage Site are to revive memories about the foreign journey of Great Prince Pavel Petrovich and his spouse Maria
Fedorovna, while the years of the French Revolution find their reflection in the rarest memorial items and portraits, made by Vigée Le Brun – a beloved artist of Queen Marie Antoinette. A particular section of the exposition is dedicated to the relations between Russia and France during the reign of Alexander I. Among the exhibits one can see the items from the ‘Olympic’ service that was presented to the Russian sovereign by Napoleon I due to the 1807 Treaty of Tilsit, arms set by Boutet N.N. – a present to the Russian governor-general of Paris Osten-Saсken F.V. from the grateful citizens, as well as the star of the order of the Holy Spirit, handed to Alexander I by King Louis XVIII after the victory over Napoleon and restoration of the monarchy. Further on, the exposition tells the visitors about the history of the ’Russian Nice’, the participation of the Armoury Chamber in the 1867
World Exposition in Paris, as well as strengthening of Franco-Russian friendship and concluding an alliance at the end of the 19th century. Most of the exhibits are on display for the first time. Among them particular attention should be paid to the rifle with a gilded dolphin, commemorating the birth of the long-awaited heir to the French throne, future King Louis XVI, as well as rarities from the imperial collection, such as a snuffbox with portraits of the children of Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette by the court artist Sauvage and a prayer book of Maria Leszczyńska, wife of Louis XV. The art pieces from the Moscow Kremlin Museums witness the solidity of the centuries-old cultural ties between Russia and France, mutual interest and respect of the traditions and spiritual life of the nations.
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PHOTO GALLERY
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BOOKS AND SOUVENIRS
This catalogue is timed to coincide with the similarly named exhibition in the Moscow Kremlin Museums. It is dedicated to key milestones of the centuries-old history of Russian-French relations, as well as prominent figures, which have contributed to the development of the Russian-French relationship in diplomatic, scientific, cultural and artistic spheres.
The issue comprises three sections: “Interstate Contacts In Medieval Epoch and The First Romanov’s Embassies”, “Studying French Experience: Spiritual Closing and Enlightened Engagement”, and “Confrontation with the First Republic — the Alliance with the Third Republic”, which covers the history of Russian-French contacts, beginning with the 11th century, when Anna Yaroslavna, daughter of Grand Prince Yaroslav the Wise, married King Henri I of France, and till the end of the Romanov dynasty.
The catalogue is accomplished with many illustrations, presenting over 200 exhibits from the top Russian, French and British collections — magnificent pieces of art created by talented French and Russian masters, books and documents concerning destinies of eminent state figures, scientists and literary men. The universal past of the two great powers is shown in the book as a complex, living and polyphonic process, as a dialogue through the centuries, based on mutual interest and long-standing cultural ties between our peoples.
The issue comprises three sections: “Interstate Contacts In Medieval Epoch and The First Romanov’s Embassies”, “Studying French Experience: Spiritual Closing and Enlightened Engagement”, and “Confrontation with the First Republic — the Alliance with the Third Republic”, which covers the history of Russian-French contacts, beginning with the 11th century, when Anna Yaroslavna, daughter of Grand Prince Yaroslav the Wise, married King Henri I of France, and till the end of the Romanov dynasty.
The catalogue is accomplished with many illustrations, presenting over 200 exhibits from the top Russian, French and British collections — magnificent pieces of art created by talented French and Russian masters, books and documents concerning destinies of eminent state figures, scientists and literary men. The universal past of the two great powers is shown in the book as a complex, living and polyphonic process, as a dialogue through the centuries, based on mutual interest and long-standing cultural ties between our peoples.
Souvenirs were created specially for the exhibition.
They are on sale in our museum shops opposite the Patriarch's Palace, in the Alexander Garden and Armoury Chamber.
They are on sale in our museum shops opposite the Patriarch's Palace, in the Alexander Garden and Armoury Chamber.
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PRESS AND MEDIA
PRESS RELEASE
СТАТЬИ
ВИДЕО
PRESS RELEASE
The exhibition staged by the Moscow Kremlin Museums will explore the history of Russian-French relations through intertwining fates of outstanding personalities: prominent statesmen, scientists, writers, artists, and craftsmen. The chosen approach aims at reconstructing the character of the relationship between the two countries as an immediate, multifaceted, somewhat contradictory, but an ultimately fruitful process for both parties.
The show opens with a unique charter, dating back to 1063 and recalling the important political event of the 11th century: the dynastic marriage of Princess Anna Yaroslavna, daughter of the Great Prince Yaroslav the Wise, to King Henry I of France. The charter, provided by the National Library of France, is believed to be the only surviving document, which bears the handwritten sign of the cross and monogram of the King Philip I with his mother's authentic signature ‘ANA RHNA’ (Queen Anne) placed underneath in Cyrillic letters. The visitors will also enjoy the rare opportunity of seeing the Reims Gospel – a unique illuminated manuscript of great cultural and historical significance. Generously offered for the exhibition by the Municipal Library of Reims, it will take centre stage among the key objects on display.
The show opens with a unique charter, dating back to 1063 and recalling the important political event of the 11th century: the dynastic marriage of Princess Anna Yaroslavna, daughter of the Great Prince Yaroslav the Wise, to King Henry I of France. The charter, provided by the National Library of France, is believed to be the only surviving document, which bears the handwritten sign of the cross and monogram of the King Philip I with his mother's authentic signature ‘ANA RHNA’ (Queen Anne) placed underneath in Cyrillic letters. The visitors will also enjoy the rare opportunity of seeing the Reims Gospel – a unique illuminated manuscript of great cultural and historical significance. Generously offered for the exhibition by the Municipal Library of Reims, it will take centre stage among the key objects on display.
06.09.2021
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Alexander Voronko
Director of the Museums and External Affairs Department of the Ministry of Culture of the Russian Federation
If there wasn't such a great reason to create this exhibition as the cross-regional year of cooperation between Russia and France, it should have been invented. Indeed, our cultures have very-very much in common: we can talk for hours about French art; if you ask a Frenchman about Russian art, you will probably immediately hear at least about the Diaghilev Seasons of the early twentieth century. I am grateful that we can enjoy touching genuine masterpieces of world art in these difficult times. I am sure that for the next four months, this place will become the epicentre of the cultural life both of Moscow and all of Russia and, God willing, of the world community.
Alexander Grushko
Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation
The history of Russian-French relations goes back centuries. The marked story of the marriage of the French King Henry I and Anna Yaroslavna, the daughter of Yaroslav the Wise, which became an integral part of French history and left a remarkable impression on it — can be considered the starting point. Since then, the destinies of our countries have been intertwined in a variety of ways. I recall that Hélène Carrère d'Encausse, Perpetual Secretary of the French Academy, who enjoys great respect and authority in Russia, rightly noted that the course of history has repeatedly brought Russia and France together, united, opposed, and reconciled them.
It is well known in France that the text and music of the key song of the Resistance – Chant des Partisans – were written by natives of Russia Anne Marly, Joseph Kessel and Maurice Druon. In our world, despite different approaches to political problems and issues of the modern world, a very positive atmosphere of our relations is preserved, and the political dialogue is developing; mutual cultural contacts and sympathy of the two nations for each other constitute a perfect solid basis for bilateral relations. And this year is no exception: we have an enormous amount of events; the confirmation of this is a rich program of the Cross Year of Regional Cooperation between Russia and France. I believe this exhibition will become another significant contribution to the strength of friendly and good neighbourly relations between our countries.
It is well known in France that the text and music of the key song of the Resistance – Chant des Partisans – were written by natives of Russia Anne Marly, Joseph Kessel and Maurice Druon. In our world, despite different approaches to political problems and issues of the modern world, a very positive atmosphere of our relations is preserved, and the political dialogue is developing; mutual cultural contacts and sympathy of the two nations for each other constitute a perfect solid basis for bilateral relations. And this year is no exception: we have an enormous amount of events; the confirmation of this is a rich program of the Cross Year of Regional Cooperation between Russia and France. I believe this exhibition will become another significant contribution to the strength of friendly and good neighbourly relations between our countries.
Pierre Lévy
Ambassador of France to Russia
Since the 11th century, relations between our two countries have developed and enriched — the diversity of the exhibits on display today is the evidence. They are numerous illustrations of Franco-Russian human relations throughout a thousand years of mutual history.
The marriage of Princess Anna Yaroslavna and King Henry I of France is mentioned in a Gospel provided by the city library of Reims. Of course, it is not easy to learn the exact origin and process of creating this remarkable document. But concerning human relations, the important thing is what is kept in collective memory, namely that the marriage, which took place, fortunately, before the schism in Christianity, testifies to our consciousness of a common European space.
I am happy that the Kremlin Museums offer its viewers an exhibition that reveals the prospects of Franco-Russian friendship that we all feel every day. This friendship proves that personal communication is the most important and lasting in terms of bilateral relations.
The marriage of Princess Anna Yaroslavna and King Henry I of France is mentioned in a Gospel provided by the city library of Reims. Of course, it is not easy to learn the exact origin and process of creating this remarkable document. But concerning human relations, the important thing is what is kept in collective memory, namely that the marriage, which took place, fortunately, before the schism in Christianity, testifies to our consciousness of a common European space.
I am happy that the Kremlin Museums offer its viewers an exhibition that reveals the prospects of Franco-Russian friendship that we all feel every day. This friendship proves that personal communication is the most important and lasting in terms of bilateral relations.
MIKHAIL
Shvydkoy
Shvydkoy
Special Representative of the Russian President for international cultural cooperation
The connection between Russia and France is so deep and paradoxical that many people have forgotten that the famous phrase considered the bulwark of Russian monarchy and Slavophilism, about autocracy, orthodoxy and nationality, was written in French.
If it were not for the pandemics and quarantines, this exhibition is worthy of the presence of the two presidents, and it is worthy of the highest official ceremonies. It is indeed a Kremlin gift to the Russian people from the Kremlin Museums and France. And it is a great joy to be here today. One can see two hundred pieces on display, but simply walking up to the Reims Gospel – and it will remain in your soul for life, and in a sense, maybe, even enlighten all of us, because the greatest names in the history of France and the history of Russia have touched it.
If it were not for the pandemics and quarantines, this exhibition is worthy of the presence of the two presidents, and it is worthy of the highest official ceremonies. It is indeed a Kremlin gift to the Russian people from the Kremlin Museums and France. And it is a great joy to be here today. One can see two hundred pieces on display, but simply walking up to the Reims Gospel – and it will remain in your soul for life, and in a sense, maybe, even enlighten all of us, because the greatest names in the history of France and the history of Russia have touched it.
GUESTS
Tatjana Metaxa
Councillor to Director-General of the State Museum of Oriental
I love the Moscow Kremlin Museums — each exhibition here is an outright gift, each exhibition is a pearl in a magnificent frame, beautiful work of designers, curators' work. This exhibition speaks of what is called "eternal friendship", although there were different moments in the history of Russia and France. Nevertheless, we are very close, and this closeness, in my opinion, is unshakable. Here are exhibits from both the collections of the Kremlin Museums and various fine European museums, which mean this exhibition is yet another confirmation of how much we love each other.
Vladimir Klavikho-Telepnev
Russian photographer
The tapestry in the first part of the exhibition struck me with an abundance of details. One can examine each character and detail endlessly; each fragment can be enlarged and studied — they are all works of art. The style of the tapestry reminded me of the paintings in Pompeii. The costumes and portraits in the costumes, where you can see all the nuances, a delicate pattern of lace, also interested me greatly. My work is now highly concerned with details, so they are my main focus.
Sergei Pepeliaev
Executive partner of the Pepeliaev Group company
This exhibition is very interesting and informative. There is the famous Reims Gospel, which links with Russian history, on which French kings took the oath at the coronation, which I, for example, have never seen. Here are these admirable laces, the production of which is impossible to imagine, arms of the finest work and value. Curious presentation of the exhibition, it is interesting to look at these unique works.
Inna Bazhenova
Founder of the IN ARTIBUS fund, publisher of The Art Newspaper international network
As a collector, I am very much interested in French art. Art history is impossible without the contribution of France. We know about significant mutual influences. I collect twentieth-century art myself, and our Moscow school is famous for having its stories in the French school in the middle of the twentieth century. In my collection, there are old French tapestries, objects from Limoges, paintings of the eighteenth century— impressionists and postimpressionists, — and twentieth-century paintings. I am very proud of this part of the collection, and I am pleased to see pieces by French masters in this exhibition and to notice rhymes with my collection. I am sure this exhibition will be of interest to everyone who loves art and France.
Pierre-Christian Brochet and his wife Anna
Bookmaker and collector
I am always fascinated by the beautiful objects from the twelfth and thirteenth centuries that are in collections in Russia. Every time I wonder how things that could have a highly significant weight in France end up in the collections of other countries. The history of gifts and offerings is very touching; I wish our politicians would continue to be friends in the same way.
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VISIT US
TICKET PRICE
GETTING HERE
OPENING HOURS
10:00 to 17:30
Ticket office: 09:30 to 16:30
Day off ‒ Thursday
Left luggage office: 9:00 to 18:30
Guided tours office:
Ticket office: 09:30 to 16:30
Day off ‒ Thursday
Left luggage office: 9:00 to 18:30
Guided tours office:
TICKET PRICE
250₽
Ticket to the exhibition — available online, at the museum ticket office and via touch-sensitive terminals. No discount. The admission is organized in sessions every half hour from 10:00 to 16:30.
Ticket to the exhibition — available online and at the museum ticket office. Discount ticket for all under-16s. The admission is organized in sessions every half hour from 10:00 to 16:30.
Face coverings and gloves are mandatory during your visit.
Visitors are advised to walk with a social distance of at least 1.5 m.
Visitors are advised to walk with a social distance of at least 1.5 m.
There are guided tours in English and French. Please, contact the guided tours office in the Alexander Garden beforehand at +7 495 695-41-46, +7 495 697-03-49.
GETTING HERE
1
3
2
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Ticket and Excursion Office in the Alexander Garden
Kutafiya Tower
Entrance to the territory
Entrance to the territory
Exhibition hall
of the Assumption Belfry
of the Assumption Belfry
Exhibition hall of the Patriarch's Palace
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