Russian Empire Style. Applied Art of the Epoch of Alexander I (1801–1825)

Empire style managed to reflect the art foundations of «Alexander’s times» brightly and consistently: its items, which differ in their sizes, materials and aims, form an extraordinary stylistic unity.

Imperial Porcelain and Glass factories, which employed high-class artists and craftsmen, conducted and promoted Empire style. The factory libraries had plenty of drawings and engravings used while decorating one or another object. Symbols, allegories and antique ornaments harmonized with patriotic inscriptions and portraits of prominent contemporaries.

Objects, dating from this time, place emphasis on strict outlines and, despite being of relatively small size, get a monumentality shade. For example, the walls of glass vessels were made thicker than usual and then finished in deep brilliant-cut which resembled of real gem-cutting (this is where the term «brilliant-cut» stems from). To make this kind of glass more transparent, litharge, providing especial clarity, was put into the glass mass. As the material finally resembled of rock crystal, its name was dedicated to it.

Empire style improved the image of porcelain objects, too. Quite often they were gilded inside and outside to be associated with bronze. At the same time, as never before, the production of monumental vases increased, which became one of the peculiarities of Russian Empire style.