Lot Essay
The first All-Russian Polytechnic Exhibition of 1872 was Russia's largest trade show of the nineteenth century. Timed to coincide with the bicentennial anniversary of the birth of Peter I (1672-1725), it showcased advances in the field of industry, agriculture, transportation, military affairs, science, technology and culture. The grand opening on May 30 (June 11) 1872 was attended by Grand Duke Konstantin Nikolaevich (1827-1892) and Moscow Governor-General Prince Dolgoruky (1810–1891), among others. Peter Tchaikovsky wrote a special Cantata for the exhibition opening, which was performed by musicians of the Bolshoi Theater on the Troitsky Bridge of the Kremlin.