MEDIA CENTRE

ART RUSSE BUYS ARTWORKS FROM A EUROPEAN ROYAL COLLECTION

ART RUSSE has acquired eleven important works of late XIX and early XX century Russian art from a European Royal collection.


The eleven artworks represent several influential movements in Russian art, including the Peredvizhniki (The Society for Travelling Art Exhibitions, est. 1870). The most recognisable artist in the collection is Ilya Repin, one of the famous members of the Peredvizhniki. The realist paintings by Repin as well as artworks by famous portraitist Valentin Serov, are contrasted by more stylistically diverse paintings from the 20th century. Two canvases by Kuzma Petrov-Vodkin, who was also one of the reformers of Russian art education in the early 20th century, clearly demonstrate the influences of modernism. Among the acquired paintings there are also colourful masterpieces by symbolist Nicholas Roerich. The final artwork from the collection is an almost abstract painting by Filipp Malyavin.


This European Royal collection was assembled in the first half of 20th century. The proceeds from the sale will go to a charity dedicated to fighting cancer.


Andrey Filatov, the founder of ART RUSSE, said: “I am delighted that we have acquired these eleven paintings and are now able to share these works, which undoubtedly constitute Russia’s national treasure, with people in the UK, Europe and the world. The fact that the one of the European Royal families owned this impressive selection of artworks is the highest recognition of Russian art.”