France, Nancy, workshop Brother’s House, 1893.
Glass, etching, engraving, enamel polychrome painting
...

France, Nancy, workshop Brother’s House, 1893.
Glass, etching, engraving, enamel polychrome painting
10.4 х 9.4 cm
The goblet enameled with the double-headed eagle of the Russian Empire, cross of Saint Andrew and Russian mi- litary symbols, inscribed ‘Qui d’y frotte d’y pique’ (Who it rubs is stung) in addition to « Plus penser que dire » (More think then say), on a bas « Daum Nancy » and the Cross of Lorraine.
One of the Russian naval officers presented this histori- cally important goblet to France during the official visit of the Russian Naval delegation in 1893. Led by Admi- ral F.K.Avelan, the Russian delegation arrived to sign an
important treaty of Franco-Russian alliance aimed to prevent a potential military attack from Germany, Austria and Great Britain. The French government commissioned for this occasion lavish gifts that not only highlighted the virtuosity of the French artisans but also demonstrated an elaborate symbolic program. Entrusted to the artists from Alsace and Lorraine regions, territories annexed to Germany as a result of the Franco-Prussian war of 1871, these gifts, with a profusion of me- dieval symbols and historic emblems of Lorraine, served as a reminder of painful territorial loss, and celebrated the hope for their return in the future with the help of a Russian ally.
The Russian delegation was greeted with lavish receptions in Toulon, Paris, Marseilles, and Lyons. Officers of the Russian navy were presented with such goblets to raise a champagne toast to the Franco-Russian alliance.