Menigte op straat bij het bezoek van tsaar Nicolaas II van Rusland aan Parijs Possibly 1896

This photograph by Delizy captures a street scene during Tsar Nicholas II's visit to Paris. We see a dense crowd gathered, likely eager to catch a glimpse of the Russian monarch. The image offers a glimpse into the Franco-Russian Alliance, a significant political and military pact formed in the late 19th century. France, isolated after the Franco-Prussian War, sought an ally against Germany, while Russia needed financial support for industrialization. This alliance, formalized in 1894, marked a shift in European power dynamics, challenging the existing order dominated by Germany. Photographs like this were carefully curated and disseminated to project an image of strength, unity and popular support for the alliance. But, we must remember that photography too is a product of social forces and could therefore be used to endorse political positions. To understand the full meaning and impact of this image, historians would examine diplomatic records, newspaper accounts, and other archival materials. In this way, we can reveal the complex interplay of politics, culture, and society in shaping our understanding of the past.