World History and Culture: Exhibition "France and Russia. Ten Centuries Together" to open at the Moscow Kremlin Museums

On September 16, 2021, the Moscow Kremlin Museums (Exhibition Hall of the Patriarch’s Palace, Exhibition Hall of the Assumption Belfry) will launch the exhibition "France and Russia. Ten Centuries Together".

The exposition, arranged by the Moscow Kremlin Museums in the Cross Year of International Cooperation between Russia and France, is devoted to the centuries-old history of cultural and diplomatic relations between the two countries. It features more than two hundred exhibits: memorial items, valuable archival documents and works of art from Russian and foreign museums.

The exhibition opens with a unique document, recalling the events of the XI 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 collections of the National Library of France dates back to 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. Later, in 1901, the Russian monarch had an opportunity to see the so-called Reims Gospel during his visit to Reims. This unique monument of cultural and historical significance has been also associated with Anna Yaroslavna. It is one of the key objects of the exhibition.

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.