Data of Pharamon Blanchard about Georgia in "L'Illustration, Journal Universel" (1857-1858)

Abstract

In 1856, French artist, lithographer, writer and illustrator Henri Pierre Léon Pharamond Blanchard (1805-1873) was invited to coronation of Alexander II, emperor of Russia (1855-1881). He was welcomed by the civilians and militaries close to imperial court and, as a result, in 1856-1859, he attended all significant events and celebrations in two capital cities of Russia and this can be easily seen from nineteen letters published in popular French daily newspaper L'Illustration, Journal Universel in 1857-1858. In autumn 1856, newly appointed Viceroy of Caucasus, Alexander Baryatinsky invited him to Georgia and they togrther traveled from Moscow to Tbilisi.

Pharamon Blanchard’s data about Georgia were published in two issues of L'Illustration in 1857 and one issue of 1858. In his first letter, titled Line of “Lezghians”, there are provided data about Kvareli, hospitality of Gulbaat Chavchavadze, Tsinandali and Telavi. In his second article “Georgia. – Tbilisi.”, French artist described the way from Telavi to Tbilisi, Kakheti nature, decorated with rich autumn colors, Shuamta Church, condition of the road and description of Tbilisi. He provides detailed information about Baryatinsky’s entry into the city, provides names of Georgian noblemen who welcomed him, the troops, population who met him, the balls arranged to honor him and St. George day. In his third article, “Holy Epiphany Day. Jordan. 6/18 January in Tbilisi and St. Petersburg”, he describes celebrations of Epiphany Day in Tbilisi. All three articles are illustrated.

In the article we present translations of fragments from Pharamon Blanchard’s letter “The Line of Lezghians” and third letter – “Holy Epiphany Day” and full translation of the second letter, “Georgia. – Tbilisi.” with the comments. Data of eyewitness Pharanond Blanchard provide very valuable source for studying of the events ongoing in Tbilisi in that period. This material are published for the first time.