Yelena Gagarina, Director of the Kremlin Museums, said at a preview press conference in Tuesday that this exhibition would open a Royal Treasures in the Moscow Kremlin project, envisaging the annual show of regalia and artwork from major royal houses of the world.
The French royal exhibition features 23 items, of which 21 have never before been taken out of France, Ms Gagarina said. According to her, the exhibition has been staged as part of an exchange scheme, and Russia is planning to respond with two displays at the Louvre-of a Byzantine collection and of a collection of gem-studded frames to medieval Russian icons.
Speaking at the same press conference, Jannick Durand, curator of the Decorative Arts Department at the Musee du Louvre, expressed hope that French art lovers would also be able to see the Moscow Kremlin collection of gifts to Russian czars.
"Treasures of the French Crown" come from the historical collection of Louis XIV, also known as the Sun King. The collection, spanning several centuries, features fine jewelry-rare gems set in gold, silver and enamel frames-created by some of the best masters of Byzantium, France, and Italy.
