Legendary works of Russian masters included in the collection of the Art Russe Foundation

The Art Russe Foundation completed the acquisition of seven paintings by famous Russian artists of the late 19th and early 20th centuries, which were previously in the private collection of one of the aristocratic families of Europe.

Among the acquired paintings are significant works of the legendary Russian painters. The collection of Art Russe paintings was replenished with the author’s versions of Victor Vasnetsov’s paintings Alyonushka (1881), Bogatyrs (1881–1898) and Carpet-Aircraft (1880); The Swan Princess by Mikhail Vrubel (1900), Sadko in the Underwater Kingdom by Ilya Repin (1879). Among the acquired works there is also a watercolor sketch by Valentin Serov “The Abduction of Europe” (1910) and “Ballet Lavatory. Snowflakes ”by Zinaida Serebryakova (1923).

Andrei Filatov, founder of the Art Russe Foundation: “The agreement to acquire these works is an important moment in the formation of our collection. Many of these canvases are not only brilliant examples of artistry characteristic of Russian artists, but they are also an important part of Russian culture - almost every Russian instantly recognizes them. I am sure that these works will strengthen the exposition in Buly and will invariably cause great interest among visitors to the gallery of Russian art. ”

Along with 11 canvases of Russian artists acquired by the Foundation from the collection of one of the European monarchies, new works will occupy a significant place in the collection of Art Russe, representing the key artistic movements of Russian art of the late XIX - early XX centuries. As previously reported, in December 2015, the Fund closed a deal to buy works of Russian art, including “Religious procession in Kursk province” (1883), “Village Dance” (1891) and “Demonstration on October 17, 1905” (1906) Ilya Repin, “Portrait of Aleksandra’s cousin” (1889) Valentin Serov, “Our Lady” (1912) and “Youth” (1913) Kuzma Petrova-Vodkin, “We continue fishing” (1922), “And we work” (1922), “And We shall See” (1922) and “Santa Sofia” by Nicholas Roerich, “Whirlwind” (1906) by Philip Malyavin.

ABOUT ART RUSSE FOUNDATION

The Art Russe Foundation, led by entrepreneur and philanthropist Andrei Filatov, was created in 2012. The fund aims to build a deeper understanding of Soviet and Russian art and its contribution to world culture with a world audience. The fund specializes in collecting samples of Russian art created in 1917-1991. and related to the artistic style of socialist realism, and the implementation of educational projects to support and popularize Russian art at the international level. The objective of the fund is to increase the popularity of works of this genre through exhibitions, the provision of works to museums and galleries in various countries and the publication of books and catalogs on the most iconic artists and their works.

For the contribution to international cooperation in the field of culture and efforts to preserve the historical heritage, the founder of the Art Russe Foundation, Andrei Filatov, was awarded the UNESCO Prize and the title of Knight of the Legion of Honor (France).

Mikhail Vrubel (1856–1910) “The Swan Princess” 1900, oil, canvas, 127 × 92 cm

Victor Vasnetsov (1848–1926) “Alyonushka” 1881, oil, canvas, 167 × 107 cm

Victor Vasnetsov (1848–1926) “Carpet-plane” 1880, oil, canvas, 100 × 200 cm

Victor Vasnetsov (1848–1926) “The Heroes” 1881–98, oil, canvas, 200 × 330 cm

Valentin Aleksandrovich Serov (1865–1911) “The Abduction of Europe” 1910, Pencil and watercolor; signature and date, 38 × 29 cm

Zinaida Evgenievna Serebryakova (1884–1967) “Ballet restroom. Snowflakes ”1923, Oil, canvas, 97 × 77 cm

Ilya Efimovich Repin (1844–1930) “Sadko in the Underwater Kingdom” 1876, oil, canvas, 327 × 217 cm