The cello ‘France – Russia’ was made in 1898 by Albert Jacquat, a representative of one of the oldest dynasties of French violin makers. The outer side of the instrument’s bottom is decorated with carvings: a monogram of Nicholas II woven into a lush flower composition. A handwritten inscription “FRANCE ET RUSSIE Albert Jacquat 1898” on the label stuck to the bottom inside, refers to the composition
made in watercolour technique. It depicts allegoric France and Russia
as figures of two women wearing long
dresses, holding a battle axe, sword and
shield accompanied by the said inscription.
The cello was exhibited at the World Exhibition in Paris in 1900 and then it was given to the Russian Emperor Nicholas II. In response to that, the Emperor granted the maker in Chevalier of St. Anne Order.
