Exposition Francaise de Moscow, 1891

Art Historical Context

Welcome to the Metropolitan Museum of's European Sculpture and Decorative Arts! This exquisite silvered bronze medal, *Exposition Française de Moscow, 1891*, crafted by the renowned French engraver Louis-O Roty, commemorates the French Exposition held in Moscow that year. Measuring just 2½ inches (64 mm) in diameter, it captures a pivotal moment of cultural exchange between France and Russia, showcasing French artistry, industry, and innovation to an international audience amid growing diplomatic ties in the late 19th centuryRoty, a master of medal genre—a miniature sculptural art form popular...

About the Artist

Louis-Oscar Roty · 1846–1911

Louis-Oscar Roty, commonly known as Oscar Roty (1846–1911), was born on June 11 in Paris's Belleville neighborhood, the son of a modest schoolmaster. He began his artistic training under Horace Lecoq de Boisbaudran at the Petite École (later the École des Arts Décoratifs), honing his drawing skills, before entering the École des Beaux-Arts in 1864. There, he studied sculpture and medal engraving u...