EXPOZIłIA NAłIONALĂ A ASTREI DE LA SIBIU DIN ANUL 1881
ASTRA’S NATIONAL EXHIBITION AT SIBIU IN 1881

Summary/Abstract: After the success of a first exhibition organized in Brasov in July 1862, the organization of a new exhibition remained on the agenda of the Transylvanian Association for Romanian Literature and Culture of the Romanian People (Astra). The second exhibition of Astra, from 1881, took place in political circumstances that were unfavorable to national manifestations. The policy of the Austro- Hungarian monarchy sought to diminish and even annihilate any tendencies or national manifestations of non-Magyar peoples within the dualist state. These internal and external conditions conferred a strong political character to the 1881 exhibition, which was clearly mirrored by the Apelul [the Call] launchedin the journal Transilvania, which was later taken over by other periodicals. This call emphasized the fact that foreigners’ opinion was that Romanians had not developed any industrial sector and, moreover, they were not even endowed with skills necessary to exercising various trades, and even less for the development of heavy industry or belle arts. The exposition displayed over 10.000 objects under 6000 numbers of which 3.000 were products of domestic industry of Romanian women. The objects were included in a catalogue that could be presented to the public only during the last two days of the exhibition. The exhibitors were rewarded for the most beautiful and extraordinary objects exposed. Asylum “Elena Doamna” from Bucharest received the golden medal. Other exhibitors received prizes in cash, honors diplomas, and gratitude. The success of the exhibition was revealed by the high number of visitors, 4321 persons, and an income from pay of 1694,70 florins. Despite the difficulties created by the Hungarian government, this exhibition succeeded to get organized, a fact that demonstrates the moral resistance of the Romanian people as well as its desire of recognition as nation in a time of aggressive Magyarisation policy. It was a great success, the exhibition succeeded to demonstrate the creative abilities and the artistic and practical skills of the Romanian people.

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