THE RUSSIAN DEPARTMENT’S CARVED STONE AT THE 1893 WORLD’S COLUMBIAN EXPOSITION: RECONSTRUCTION OF THE COLLECTION

In the 19th century stone-cutting art has become one of brightest elements in representation Russian Empire. World’s fairs provided ample opportunities for this representation. The article examines structure collections and list exhibitors at largest — Columbian Exposition 1893. paper draws upon both published archival documents, including those which have not yet been used examination Russia’s stone exhibition. It reconstructs mineralogical, technical typological diversity exhibited items principle reciprocal completing exhibitors. also analyzes presented by imperial Petergof, Ekaterinburg lapidary Kolyvan grinding factories, Carl Woerffel’s enterprise a wide range small Ural producers as well. Due to discovering materials, number items, Chicago, was identified themuseum Russia abroad. Some attributional details Woerffel are offered made it possible propose authorship dating from foreign collections. author is first analyze collection, purchased exhibition stonecutters Field Museum Natural History Chicago. A conclusion drawn about role colored stones importance their presentation formation Empire’s image most important world centers decorative development.