Carafe Commemorating The Franco-russian Alliance - Visit Of Tsar Nicholas II To Paris, 1896

Elegant blown-glass decanter, decorated with acid etching, illustrating commemorative scenes linked to Tsar Nicholas II's official visit to France in 1896, a major event celebrating the Franco-Russian alliance.

The decoration is composed of several figurative registers: diplomatic scenes with official welcome, monumental architecture evoking Parisian ceremonies, as well as maritime representations with ships and sailors, referring directly to the Tsar's arrival by sea at Cherbourg before his triumphal entry into Paris.

This type of object is part of a very specific historical context: at the end of the 19th century, the Franco-Russian alliance (formalized between 1892 and 1894) gave rise to an abundant production of commemorative objects and soft propaganda. Glassware, earthenware, popular imagery, as well as everyday consumer products (cookies, perfumery, etc.) all played their part in disseminating a diplomatic and imperial iconography that was widely appreciated by the public.

This decanter is thus a typical example of this production, both decorative and symbolic, which was very much in vogue around 1896.


Condition:
Very good overall condition.
Light traces of use and internal soiling, consistent with age. Cleaning would reveal its full brilliance.