Exhibition "Science to Win. Military History of Russia in the Visual Arts"

Serpukhov Museum of History and Art takes part in the exhibition “Science to Win. The military history of Russia in the fine arts ”according to the eponymous edition of the literary work of the outstanding Russian commander A. V. Suvorov. It will be held at the Art Gallery of the Central Museum of the Great Patriotic War. Serpukhov Museum at the exhibition presented 6 medals dedicated to the Northern War.

The exhibition is dedicated to the military annals of our Fatherland and is designed to again remind the young generation of the great glory and valor of the Russian army from the XI century to the present day. The pages of the history of Russia are filled with events that showed the world not only the high military and tactical qualities of military leaders, but, to a greater extent, the amazing strength of the spirit of the people in the implacable struggle for their independence with external enemies and invaders. It was strength of mind that became that science, an integral part and guarantee of our victories. The Russian army not only always defended its borders, but was also ready to come to the rescue of those who needed its support against a strong enemy.

Paintings and graphic works, sculptural portraits, as well as maps, uniforms and household items tell about the course of military events of the key battles of our history, immerse the viewer in the atmosphere of those years.

The exposition is located in one of the longitudinal wings of the central exhibition complex of the Museum and offers the viewer a phased review of historical facts.

The first hall presents works of fine art by artists of the 19-20 centuries, as well as contemporary battle masters, covering the glorious military events of the 11th-15th centuries: the campaigns of Vladimir Monomakh, the Battle of the Ice, the Battle of Kulikovo, standing on the Ugra. In the windows, viewers will be able to familiarize themselves with the contents of the Laurentian Chronicle (the Chronicle was compiled by a monk Laurence with the blessing and edited by St. Dionysius of Suzdal), a valuable source on the history of northeastern Russia of the XII-XIII centuries, as well as household items of soldiers of that time.

The second hall is dedicated to the history of the military conquests of Ivan the Terrible (16th century) and the liberation struggle of the people against the Polish occupiers (the First and Second People’s Militias) at the beginning of the 17th century, where Prince Pozharsky and Kuzma Minin played a key role, under the leadership of which the combined militia forces knocked out the interventionists from Moscow.

The third part of the exhibition is the history of the victories of Peter I in the war with Sweden (Northern War). Undoubtedly, the key military event was the battle of Poltava, which decided the outcome of the war in favor of Russia. The victory date of the Poltava battle, along with the Gangutsky one, became the Day of the military glory of Russia.

The next hall is dedicated to the military victories of Russia in the 18th century, gained by the army and navy under the leadership of such famous commanders as Orlov, Potemkin, Suvorov, Ushakov. The Chesme naval battle, the defense of Girsovo, Ochakovo, the capture of Izmail and other events are reflected in lithographs and paintings of the 18th century, they are complemented by sculptural and pictorial portraits of military leaders, standards and medals of that time.

The Great Fifth Hall is devoted to the images of the Patriotic War of 1812 and the partisan movement. In the windows there are Russian cartoons of Napoleon and his army, as well as objects of medal art.

The Crimean War and the heroic defense of Sevastopol led by admirals Kornilov and Nakhimov, as well as some events of the First World War, occupy the next segment of the exposition.

The Great Patriotic War of 1941-45. Moscow’s defense, the battle of Stalingrad, the defense of Sevastopol, the Battle of Kursk and other battles will again appear in front of the audience in lively and emotional images.

The exhibition also covers more modern events of the twentieth century: the war in Afghanistan and two Chechen wars, in which the Russian army also proved to be a defender of the weak and oppressed.

The interactive part of the exposition is located at the end of the pavilion. There are tables and art materials for children’s creativity. In the drawings, young visitors to the exhibition will be able to draw the most memorable events or portraits of their favorite commanders. The works will fill the walls of the hall in real mode, turning into a live installation.

An important part of the exposition is occupied by photographs of historical landscapes - the field of military glory - as military strongholds and spiritual fortresses of modern Russia. The famous photographer Ivan Boyko specifically in the framework of the project of the exhibition “Science to Win. The military history of Russia in the fine arts ”created a series of landscapes and panoramas of Kulikov, Borodino fields, tank battle fields on the Kursk Bulge, etc., which will be located in the corresponding halls.

The exhibition is accompanied by explications and detailed etiquette, as well as excerpts from documents and memoirs of Russian commanders, participants and witnesses of the events.

A key role in shaping the artistic content of the exhibition was played by the studio of military artists named after Grekova, who provided paintings by talented contemporary battle painters from all over Russia. Fine art of the XVIII-XX centuries. (painting, graphics, sculpture) provided by the art funds of the Central Museum of the Great Patriotic War of 1941-1945. ”, FSBI“ TsMVS RF ”of the Ministry of Defense of Russia, Museum-Panorama“ Battle of Borodino ”, as well as well-known private collectors of Moscow (S. Podstanitsky, S. Ustinov, A. Kusakin, K. Mauergauz and others).

Venue: FGUK “Central Museum of the Great Patriotic War of 1941-1945. "At the address Moscow, pl. Victory 3.

Dates of the exhibition: November 3, 2015 - December 15, 2015