History and Culture: Exhibition “Zertsalo: Russian Provincial Portrait of the XVIII-XIX centuries” presented in St. Petersburg

The Manege Central Exhibition Hall (St. Petersburg) together with the Uglich State Historical, Architectural and Art Museum, State Tretyakov Gallery and Rybinsk State Historical, Architectural and Art Museum-Preserve present an exhibition project, dedicated to the history of Russian provincial portrait of the XVIII-XIX centuries.

In addition to the exploration of this vivid phenomenon of Russian visual arts, the exhibition allows to take a fresh look on the mores and traditions of Russian provincial culture. The name of the exhibition origins from the Old Slavonic word zertsalo (mirror). Therefore, it is not coincidental that the first thing visitors will see in the exhibition hall is their own reflection in the mirror. It is a look at yourself without embellishments and conventions that sets the direction for comprehending the whole exposition.

Having existed for a short period of time, parsuna loses its leading role in Russian court culture. The formation of new artistic ideals in Russian visual arts became the result of Peter’s diplomatic mission to Europe and large-scale reforms in Russia that followed it. Even though the leading role was given to the “big genres”, as well as allegories and panoramas of cities, this time entered the history of Russian art as the age of portraits.

In the early XIX century, almost every city has its own artist, almost every wealthy house has a portrait chronicle of the family. Merchants, poor nobles, even representatives of the priesthood turn to the local portrait painter, craftsman of a kind, who meticulously realizes their idea of themselves.

The exhibition in the Manege will allow visitors to not only learn about stylistic specifics of the early provincial portraits, but to see the “faces” of the era – images of the priesthood, merchants, children and family portraits.

The exhibition will run until December 4, 2022.