Petersburg, Moscow 1868

Charles George Lewis produced this album, titled "Petersburg, Moscow," around 1868. Its significance lies not just in its artistic content but in its historical context. Made in a period of significant social and political change in Russia, just seven years after the abolition of serfdom, this album gives insight into the cultural exchanges of the time. Travel albums like these were often commissioned by or made for affluent Europeans who were visiting Russia, reflecting their interests and perceptions of the country. The artist's choice of Petersburg and Moscow, the then and former capitals, is telling. The album becomes a curated view of Russia, designed for foreign consumption. To understand this album fully, we might delve into travelogues, diplomatic records, and art market data from the period. In doing so, it offers insights into Russia's complex relationship with the West and the institutional framing of cultural heritage.