In the Hermitage there are many works of art, you have to look everywhere and it is true that you can never see everything. I have been twice now and am still amazed.
It was founded in 1764 by Catherine The Great. In her lifetime Catherine acquired 4,000 paintings from the old masters, 38,000 books, 10,000 engraved gems, 10,000 drawings, 16,000 coins and medals and a natural history collection filling two galleries.
Russian Society of the period wanted to be accepted as European which is why the collections showcase European art and art of Antiquity, Russian Art is barely included and certainly only added to the collections much later, which is a shame.
Medieval Scandinavian silver or is it contemporary?
So if you are in St.Petersburg this winter, do go and admire the beautiful Hermitage, but if you would like to see wonderful Russian art try the Museum of Russian Art in St.P, or the fabulous Tretyakov Gallery in Moscow (no photo’s allowed, which is a shame as the Art Deco chandeliers on the stairway are fabulous).
lovely photos...
ReplyDeletethanks for your comments- no, Mark doesn't get the same treatment (or thankfully the same food) and he probably doesn't get as many hugs and cuddles either!
Yes, quite agree about wooden furniture!