History and culture: Presentation of the XIV volume “History of the Russian Art” in Moscow

The presentation of the XIV volume of the “History of the Russian Art”, dedicated to the brilliant epoch of Alexander I – is one of the events of the state festival, timed to the 200th anniversary of the victory in the Patriotic War of 1812 and the expulsion of Napoleonic troops from Russia – is held on November 12, 2012 at the State Tretyakov Gallery in Moscow.

An impressive volume, consisting of 800 pages and more than 700 illustrations, is prepared in the framework of the fundamental project “History of the Russian Art” in 22 volumes, implemented by the State Institute of Art History in conjunction with leading specialists in the study of Artistic heritage of Russia. Unprecedented comprehensiveness of the material work is designed to highlight the history of the Soviet Art of the Xi-XX centuries. For the first time the single project combines the history of architecture, fine and decorative arts, music, theater, stage, photography and cinema, with attention paid not only to the artistic achievements of the two capitals, but the Russian provinces.

The proposed volume unfolds an impressive panorama of the culture of Pushkin's time. Splendor ensembles of metropolitan areas, brilliant interiors of imperial palaces, blossoming aristocratic mansions, the architectural look of the provincial towns, enduring achievements of painters, sculptors, composers, performing artists and performing arts - all this is reflected in the chapters, the authors of which are recognized by our scientists. Thanks to the cooperation of researchers from different generations one volume has combined the best traditions of Russian academic science with innovative concepts that have arisen as a result of the active integration of the domestic art history in the world of science. As a result of varied approach one of the most solid and bright in the artistic sense epochs of Russian history is shown meaningfully and voluminous. The Russian art of this period in all its complexity sometimes of paradoxical relationship with the European Art serves as a significant part of the global art process.