Expositie van Russische objecten tijdens de wereldtentoonstelling te Antwerpen 1894

Th. Lantin captured this image of the Russian exhibit at the Antwerp World Fair in 1894. It shows a highly ornamented structure, probably made of wood, plaster and paint, designed to display Russian cultural and industrial achievements. Notice the repetitive patterns, arches, and quasi-Byzantine decorative motifs. These elements contribute to the structure's imposing presence. The careful execution of such ornament would have required skilled labor and precise craftsmanship, but also industrial means of production. The very purpose of world fairs was to showcase national power through technological and artistic prowess, reflecting the social and economic tensions of the late 19th century. The structure here blends traditional craft techniques with modern industrial materials, embodying the complex relationship between labor, politics, and consumption during this era. Understanding the material and making of this exhibit helps us appreciate how it conveys Russia's cultural identity within the broader context of global trade and industrial competition.