West European silver
13th-19th centuries. Interior of the hall.
The various halls of the museum are divided by decorative wrought-iron gratings made by Russian blacksmiths in the mid-19th century. They represent an exquisite example of a form of applied art widely known and employed in Russia since ancient times.
This particular hall contains the largest collection of West European silver in the world. Most of these articles were brought to Russia three to four hundred years ago as ambassadorial gifts from England, Holland, Germany, Denmark, Sweden, and Poland.
Among the items on display are tall, elegant goblets, marvelously wrought ornaments which graced the imperial dinner tables, massive platters, tankards, and articles made from rare and exotic materials. These mementos of diplomatic negotiations attest to the growth of the international authority of the Russian state.
According to the Russian etiquette of the times, these gifts were presented with great solemnity in the main hall of a building especially erected for the purpose - the celebrated Faceted Chamber. Such gifts were considered a mark of respect to the state and its ruler. Foreign states interested in the establishment of trade and diplomatic relations with Russia brought articles of great artistic value as gifts.
These precious objects, made by the finest foreign masters of the day, allow us to become acquainted with the national character of the silversmiths' art of many European countries.
See also: West European silver (display case)
