Claude Monet Hermitage what a hall. Impressionists in the Hermitage: famous artists and their paintings, location, exhibition spaces, exhibition opening hours and date. Plan of the layout of the exhibitions of the General Staff of St. Petersburg

A luxurious museum, one of the most visited and loved by many residents from different corners Russia and the Earth. The exposition of its General Headquarters is assessed as the world's richest treasury of impressionist and post-impressionist art.

The collection is decorated with original masterpieces by Monet, Renoir, Sisley, Pissarro, Cezanne, Van Gogh and many others. outstanding masters who worked at the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries.

Looking around creativity prominent representatives of these currents, visitors manage to discover for themselves the features of the new artistic language conveying unique and at the same time relevant worldviews of artists.

The exhibition is based on landscapes of France, filled with golden rays of light and fresh air, portraits of the inhabitants of Paris, whose mysterious features leave no one indifferent, as well as views of Gauguin's Polynesia, attracting the eye with their pristine grandeur and harmony with the environment.

Hermitage collection

The museum displays masterpieces in the following quantities:

• 8 paintings by Claude Monet;
• 6 paintings by Renoir;
• 4 works by Van Gogh;
• 15 works by Gauguin;
• 37 paintings each by Henri Matisse and Pablo Picasso;
• 9 marble, bronze and plaster sculptures by Rodin;
• as well as many other artistic works of great masters.

Art of France

It is worth noting that the art of France, starting from the 15th century, occupies 39 halls of the museum, due to which the exhibition has become the largest in the world, organized outside home country. On the 3rd floor the works are presented French painting and 19th century sculptures.

Works of French impressionists and post-impressionists are exhibited in the halls of the 4th floor . Some of them are reserved for the work of Matisse, Picasso and other masters of the 20th century. Since 2014, the large-scale exhibition “Manifesta 10” has been on display. In addition to works by Matisse and Picasso, you can see here “Composition No. 6” by Kandinsky and “Black Square” by Malevich.

The basis of the exhibition of French painting mid-19th century- the beginning of the 20th century consists of paintings by venerable artists - Claude Monet, Auguste Renoir, Alfred Sisley, Camille Pissarro, Paul Cezanne, Honoré Daumier, Henri Fantin-Latour, Vincent Van Gogh, Paul Gauguin andfrom the private collections of Shchukin and Morozov.

Start of the meeting

In the suite of halls of the General Staff Building a rich exhibition of French impressionists and post-impressionists is put on public display. The overwhelming number of works were included in the private collections of industrialists and collectors - Ivan Abramovich Morozov and Sergei Ivanovich Shchukin.

Being subtle connoisseurs of beauty and authenticity, they were able in their time to understand how great the contribution of the impressionists and post-impressionists would be to art. Patrons collected their collections bit by bit, buying paintings from art dealers and from the artists themselves. So, the important components artistic richness The Hermitage exhibition of impressionists and post-impressionists included purchases and gifts from domestic collectors.

An active and enterprising industrialist, a subtle and refined lover of painting, Sergei Ivanovich Shchukin, oddly enough, was called a “porcupine,” first of all, for his stubbornness in transactions, and also for the fact that he allegedly bought “artistic trash” and did not understood art.

Shchukin often visited Paris, where he bought canvases from artists, merchants and art connoisseurs. Thus, paintings by Monet, Renoir, Pissarro, Degas, Cezanne, Gauguin, Van Gogh, Picasso appeared in his mansion, as well as panels specially ordered from Matisse, Bonnard, and Villard.

According to the will drawn up by Shchukin in 1908, his collection was to go to the city after his death. After 10 years, there were 225 works of French painting.

Continuing the work of his brother Alexei Vikulovich, who created the Porcelain Museum, Ivan Abramovich Morozov collected paintings domestic artists. Later, he became interested in impressionism and replenished the family art treasury with the works of French masters of the modern movement.

Although he was seventeen years younger than Shchukin, the artistic hobbies and views of both patrons coincided. They were guided by intangible considerations. By the time the Bolsheviks arrived, Morozov had a collection of 135 paintings and sculptures.

Morozov liked the work of Bonnard, from whom the collection included over three dozen works. There was an episode in the Morozov mansion decorative works by Maurice Denis.

When Shchukin introduced Morozov to Matisse, the latter’s collection was replenished with three canvases depicting African landscapes. Morozov was interested in Gauguin's Tahitian works, and he was also interested in Van Gogh.

At Soviet power the collections of both patrons were nationalized and transferred to the Hermitage and Pushkin Museum. But they suffered the fate of gathering dust in storage until the middle of the last century, since at the dawn of socialism it was too early for the immature builders of communism to appreciate advanced L'art Français (French art).

Today, on the 4th floor of the General Staff Building, there is a “Gallery in Memory of Sergei Shchukin and the Morozov Brothers”, where works of impressionists, post-impressionists, and artists of the Nabi group are exhibited.

In general, the Hermitage collection of works by Cezanne, Gauguin, Marche, Bonnard, Matisse, Picasso and other greats French painters and portrait painters of the 19th and 20th centuries is so luxurious that it is deservedly ranked among the world's most elite and largest collections, taking into account its own artistic arsenal in its homeland.

“Impression” concept

Impressionism is translated from French as an “impression”. This art movement was born in France at the end of the 19th century. Artists with impressionistic views, protesting against the embellishment of life with artistic academicism, turned to a unique representation of reality. They worked exclusively from life; they used natural landscapes for their landscape creations.

In them they wanted to show natural grace and desire for change, perfectly depicting airiness and sunshine, subtle shades of light and colors.

The original tonality and freshness of the paintings, the optical perception of natural scenes by the impressionists gave impetus to the development of the movement, which expanded the boundaries of the possible of painting.

Focusing on the color perception of the world and avoiding the conceptual significance of phenomena became the reason that artists began to combine the images they created into one whole.

Therefore, in impressionism there is no subject painting. Impressionist methods are not aimed at “exposing” or “exposing” individuality, or displaying large-scale events. This is despite the fact that the conflict of that era was the greatest. Hence the accusation made against the works of the Impressionists about their supposed distance from life.

The name of the movement comes from the title of Monet's painting "Impression. Sunrise." It was the centerpiece of the 1874 Paris Exposition. Which caused a furore. One journalist with great sarcasm called the above-mentioned artist and others like him “impressionists.”

Flow - “post-impression”

The Englishman Roger Fry used this word when criticizing the contemporary trends that appeared in French art at the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries.

After the publication of Moreas's Manifesto of Symbolism, the era of the creative spirit was ushered in. Having taken the color components of purity and sonority from impressionism, post-impressionism is engaged in the search for stable values. The works of the masters are saturated with philosophy and symbolism. Post-impressionism includes the works of Toulouse-Lautrec, Cezanne, Van Gogh, Gauguin, Seurat, Signac, Pissarro and other authors.

Post-impressionists differed from impressionists in their desire to depict not momentary moments, but eternity itself, as if they possessed secret knowledge about the universe.

The principles of post-impressionism influenced the formation of Fauvism, Cubism, Expressionism and other movements, and formed the basis for the development of modern painting.

Conclusions from what has been said

The Hermitage collection from the family treasuries of Shchukin and Morozov are unique works, masterpieces from famous masters. Private collections were replenished by these art connoisseurs when artistic works Impressionists and post-impressionists were not recognized either by the public or by specialists. Today these trends are more relevant than ever. They are included in the history of the development of painting. But most importantly, they serve people who are not indifferent to great art.

The main headquarters of the Hermitage is a new exhibition complex that is part of the museum State Hermitage Museum and is an important landmark of St. Petersburg. The main headquarters is located in the eastern wing of the semicircular building on Palace Square, stretching from the Moika River to Nevsky Prospect, in the very center of St. Petersburg.

The General Staff Building itself is one of the striking architectural works in the Empire style; it was erected famous architect Carlo Rossi at the beginning of the 19th century.

History of the General Headquarters in St. Petersburg

The main headquarters has become a symbol Russian Empire, it housed the highest government agencies and ministries. The eastern part housed the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. After the revolution, the premises of the building housed various organizations, the Commissariat for Foreign Affairs and even the police department.

The two central buildings are connected by the arch of the General Staff building, built at the final stage and becoming the main decoration of the entire building. It is imperative to take a photo of the General Staff Arch.

Arch of the General Staff

As a dedication to the victory in the Patriotic War of 1812, the top triumphal arch crowned by a monument to a flying chariot, from which the ancient goddess Glory proudly looks with a laurel wreath of the winner in one hand and a standard with a double-headed eagle in the other. Warriors in armor hold back six magnificent horses rushing forward.

The arched vault is decorated with figures of winged goddesses of victory, high reliefs of military armor and weapons, statues of warrior sentries and a snow-white colonnade. From Palace Square you can see the entire architectural and sculptural composition; the arch of the General Staff building especially stands out against the backdrop of the austere façade of the building.

Panorama of the General Staff building in St. Petersburg looks good not only during the day, but also in evening time. When darkness falls over the city, the facade lighting turns on and the General Headquarters looks great.

You should definitely visit Palace Square in the evening. Moreover, on Palace Square there are often held various events, so you won't be alone.

From Bolshaya Morskaya Street through the arch there is a beautiful view of the panorama of the square and the Hermitage, and Alexandria Column turns out to be exactly in the middle. The Arch of the General Staff in St. Petersburg was equipped with the first outdoor electric clock, which was installed under its arch for the Ministry of Finance in 1905.

The Hermitage Museum received at its disposal only eastern part buildings, the rest belongs to the Western Military District. From 2004 to 2014, reconstruction of the interior was carried out, the goal of which was to transform the historical building into a full-fledged museum complex.

The atrium courtyards of the General Staff building create the impression of a single large space with a natural light diffusion system.

Modern spacious exhibition halls are connected by glass “bridges”,

visitors are greeted by a wide grand staircase made of marble; avant-garde solutions are elegantly combined with architectural classics.

Main exhibitions of the General Staff of the Hermitage in St. Petersburg

The museum complex has four floors. The main exhibition spaces are united into three enfilade lines - Dvortsovaya (along Palace Square), Pevcheskaya (along Pevchesky Proezd), Rechnaya (along the Moika embankment) - and are complemented by a central Big Enfilade of courtyards-atriums.

Plan of the layout of the exhibitions of the General Staff of St. Petersburg

For a more detailed study and drawing up an inspection plan, I suggest the floors of the General Staff Building in St. Petersburg.

And for a short overview, we will touch on the main iconic exhibitions.

World-famous paintings by the Impressionists and Post-Impressionists are presented on the fourth floor of the complex in the “Gallery in Memory of Sergei Shchukin and the Morozov Brothers.” Previously, the hall of French painting of the 19th century was located in the halls of the Winter Palace.

In the first hall, impressionism is represented by landscapes by Claude Monet; they are filled with air and light, at the same time bright and incredibly gentle. In the next room there are images of beautiful dancers by Edgar Degas and the famous multi-figure portrait “Concord Square”. Next, visitors are presented with a collection of still lifes by Henri Fantin-Latour, landscapes by Pissarro and Sisley.

Two entire halls are occupied by portraits of Auguste Renoir, delighting with their simplicity and expressiveness, lively and sunny, glorifying impressionism. Completely different, but no less memorable faces look out from the portraits of Paul Cézanne. Among his paintings you can see famous still lifes with apples and landscapes with green streets.

Continues permanent exhibition a series of paintings by Paul Gauguin, who is unlike other masters in his style. The slightly angular figures of Tahitian women and the island’s wild nature inspired him to create unique masterpieces. Vincent Van Gogh also had an unusual, passionate and expressive style of writing.

His paintings are most popular among museum visitors, creative genius the artist allowed him to put incredible emotions and experiences into the picture. Van Gogh's paintings seem to be alive, bright colors and bold brush strokes create a sense of movement, excitement and joy.
IN new complex Unforgettable paintings by Henri Matisse, Pablo Picasso and other artists of the early 20th century also moved.

The second floor is dedicated to the exhibition “Art of the Art Nouveau Era,” which presents objects of decorative and applied art made by masters of the 19th and 20th centuries.

Some of the premises tell about the work of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Empire, which was located in this part of the building.
On the third floor, visitors are presented with Russian paintings artists of the 19th century– beginning of the 20th century: Karl Bryullov, Boris Kustodiev, Petrov-Vodkin and other famous masters.

On the other line of the floor are military relics, weapons and uniforms from the Russian Guard of the 18th century. Presented is the real uniform of Peter 1 in the form of an officer of the Life Guards Preobrazhensky Regiment.

The third floor is also interesting with an exhibition dedicated to jewelry and the art of stone cutting. These halls were created in memory famous master Carla Faberge.

Unlike the numerous “summer” palaces and parks of St. Petersburg, you can visit the Main Headquarters of the Hermitage at any time of the year. The State Hermitage Museum is rightfully considered one of best museums Europe, and the renovated General Staff building provides an opportunity to visit a truly modern creative space, combining masterpieces of world art with modern cultural innovations.

Temporary exhibitions are held here various directions contemporary art, annual international biennales, expositions contemporary artists from all over the world.

Seeing the splendor of the Winter Palace, visiting the Hermitage, walking along Dvortsovaya and finding out where the General Staff Arch is located in St. Petersburg means keeping the symbols of the northern capital in your heart and being imbued with its mood. The General Staff of the Hermitage allows you to take photos/photos, with a slight restriction of no tripods or flashlights.

How to get to the Main Headquarters of the Hermitage in St. Petersburg

Getting to the Main Headquarters of the Hermitage in St. Petersburg is easy, since the Main Headquarters is located in the city center next to the Admiralteyskaya metro station at the very beginning of Nevsky Prospekt on Palace Square. Above the Admiralteyskaya metro station there is the Admiral shopping complex and on the 6th floor there is a historical one.

The main headquarters of the Hermitage is located at the address: St. Petersburg Palace Square, 6-8, lit. A

The entrance to the General Headquarters Museum in St. Petersburg is not remarkable and may not be immediately visible. It is located not far from the triumphal arch on the left side on the first floor of the building, when viewed from Palace Square. And if you are coming from the metro and passing through this arch, then you need to turn right and walk about thirty meters.

Opening hours and tickets at the General Staff of the Hermitage St. Petersburg in 2019.

The opening hours of the General Staff of the Hermitage in St. Petersburg are as follows:

• Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday, Sunday 10:30 - 18:00 (ticket office open until 17:00)
• Wednesday and Friday 10:30 - 21:00 (ticket office open until 20:00)
• Monday, January 1 and May 9 - day off

Opening hours and ticket prices for the Hermitage as of March 2019.

Cost of entrance tickets for citizens of Russia and the Republic of Belarus

For adult visitors 400 rubles

this is one admission ticket to the Main Museum Complex and separate objects (Main Museum Complex Hermitage, General Headquarters, Winter Palace of Peter I) and is valid during the day.

If you plan to visit only one of the museums(Hermitage or General Staff or Winter Palace of Peter I), then The ticket price will be 300 rubles. When purchasing this ticket, you must notify the cashier, otherwise the cashier will sell a complex ticket.

Can visit the museum for free, for this you need to come on a special day.

Days of free museum entry for all categories of individual visitors (according to free tickets*, excursions remain paid):
– third Thursday of every month;
- March 8;
– May 18;
– December 7.

Free attendance: children of preschool and school age, students of educational institutions, students (regardless of citizenship), pensioners - citizens of Russia.

*Free ticket(except for tickets for children of preschool and school age) is issued upon presentation of appropriate documents confirming the right to it. A free entrance ticket must be obtained at each museum complex during box office opening hours.

Be sure to have a passport if you are a pensioner pensioner's ID, students student ID, in the absence of documents, even Russians will have to buy a ticket as foreigners for 700 rubles, but sometimes we manage to convince the cashier that we are one of our own.

Official website of the Hermitage General Staff: www.hermitagemuseum.org

The inside of the historic building has been completely renovated and modernized. The limited capabilities of people with disabilities were taken into account; currently, any exhibition on any floor can be reached by wheelchair. For this purpose, elevators and lifts are made, which can also be used by mothers with strollers.

For a comfortable stay, the General Staff building in St. Petersburg has a cafe on the ground floor.

Thanks to Svetlana’s attentive care, we changed the day of our excursion in order to get to the exhibition of impressionists from the joint collection of the Morozov brothers in the General Staff of the Hermitage, which opened on the day of our departure from St. Petersburg. This gave an unexpected opportunity - our meeting with the impressionists through a deep and attentive story Svetlana was destined to enrich herself with 140 paintings by Matisse, Gauguin, Renoir, Bonnard and Monet. Not an excursion, but a holiday of the soul! We recommend it to everyone! If you love impressionists, this will be a joyful meeting! If you are indifferent to them, you will love them! There is no way to go to the mountains without a guide, and it is also better to entrust yourself to a knowledgeable specialist when meeting with art. Only a person who carries the joy of life within himself can speak with inspiration about the Impressionists. We were lucky to have a guide to the world of the impressionists; Svetlana loves and knows their life and work. Our communication of more than two hours, against the backdrop of joyful bursts of light and colors, flew by quickly, but will remain in the soul for a long time - enormous gratitude to Svetlana and the desire to return to the world into which we plunged.

We had a company of 2 adults and 2 children (5 and 9 years old), we asked Svetlana to focus more on children in her story, which Svetlana did very well, but the adults were not bored either. Eldest daughter fell in love with Monet's paintings and the next day asked to return to the museum to look at the paintings again. Although before this we had not observed a penchant for museums and galleries in her. This is the merit of Svetlana. Thanks a lot. We will definitely come back again.

An excellent lecture-excursion, to be honest, we had no idea (I’m writing on behalf of the family) that it would be so interesting (so much information!) and fascinating (Svetlana, an excellent speaker and the material was well prepared). Once again thank you very much, including for really Human attitude(which is so rare nowadays) and a real art history lecture! I hope not last time- after all, there is so much left that remains outside the boundaries of the material and that we simply did not have time to see in the Hermitage and St. Petersburg.

Svetlana spoke very interestingly about the lives of artists, so the material is better remembered. Gave a lot of information for further study and development

We express our deep gratitude to Svetlana for her fascinating story about the life and work of the Impressionists. Two hours flew by in an instant. We'll come again!

Interesting. Informative. Fascinatingly.
Thanks a lot.

Thank you, Svetlana, for finding the opportunity to meet with us. She is a wonderful storyteller, very involved in the topic. We enjoyed traveling through France and the Hermitage's impressionist collection. We definitely recommend it to all art lovers. Good luck to Svetlana! Natalya, Lyalya and Tasya

We are absolutely delighted! Communication with Svetlana is just a song! She is a very attentive and tactful interlocutor, building her story depending on the level and preferences of the listeners. She is simply a treasure trove of information on art history, and this excursion helped create more clear picture about the community of impressionist artists. In addition, her story conveyed such passion, such dedication to her work! We received not only a lot of unique information, but also unforgettable hours of communication, parting as good friends.

The Hermitage celebrates its 250th anniversary summer anniversary, and this was the reason why three were sent from Switzerland famous paintings Claude Monet: “Water Lilies”, “Rouen Cathedral” and “Garden at Giverny”. These paintings belong to the Beyeler Foundation. Some enemies may say that there is already enough Monet in the Hermitage collection, and what is this compared to the last visit of the amazing Cavaggio.

But these paintings are worth a look. These are the paintings that are not on display in the museum. The elderly Monet is constantly busy with unknown things, but one thing is for sure - these are his personal interests. If you look from the other side, this exhibition is a kind of conversation about money. The whole point is that with this money various works of masters are bought and sold. First they buy, then they sell at a higher price. And this exhibition is the clearest example such purchase and sale.

A little about the Beyeler Gallery

The Ernst Beyeler Gallery began its life in 1952. As a student, he began collecting books by old masters various genres. Then, abandoning this business, he moved on to a more profitable one, that is, collecting a collection of graphics classic style. As his activities developed, Ernst became one of the largest dealers, building on the traditions of the best auctions. Now his gallery collection has grown to enormous proportions, and firmly holds its position.

By his decision to exhibit Monet's paintings in the Hermitage, he thereby showed that simple collecting will not lead to greater profits. It is necessary to organize a small show of your paintings, so that people can not only get acquainted with the works of art, but also the painting itself acquires its own certain value.

A few words about the paintings

It is the paintings of Claude Monet that are in great demand for purchase. This best investment financial resources. The canvases that were brought from Switzerland do not have such great value in the history of artistic craft, but they have become a kind of symbol of wealth among the entire art market.

The whole value of all Monet's paintings lies in the fact that the artist painted in several series. The acquisition of the entire series is an exceptional move on the trade market. These three paintings attract attention with their rich colors and light. One gets the feeling that the picture is glowing from within. Monet tried to capture the elusive moments of the natural nature of the world. Monet put his own soul into all his paintings, trying to show people all the picturesqueness of the world around them. So, for example, in the painting “Water Lilies” you can see the relaxed and gentle light of summer, thanks to which anyone who sees the canvas leaves it with a feeling of joy of life and peace of mind of their own soul.

Ministry of Education and Science of the Russian Federation

St. Petersburg State University technology and design

Department of Chemical Technology of Textile Design.

Specialty: 070601.65 – industrial textile design

Practice report.

“Collection of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist paintings in the Hermitage”

Student group: 2-хд-4

Teacher:

Candidate of Arts – Associate Professor

Mitrofanova N.Yu.

St. Petersburg 2008

Introduction

Impressionism

Post-Impressionism

Conclusion

Bibliography

Introduction

The topic of the report is “Collection of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist paintings in the Hermitage.” The collection of impressionists and post-impressionists in the Hermitage is one of the richest in the world. Donations and purchases from domestic collectors became important sources of replenishment of funds in the second half of the century. The Hermitage has the largest collection of paintings by French impressionists and post-impressionists. was collected at turn of the 19th century and XX centuries by two philanthropists S.I. Shchukin and I.A. Morozov. Possessing a keen sense, they were able to predict what role the Impressionists would play in the history of art.

The collection includes eight paintings by Claude Monet ("Lady in the Garden", paired panels "A Corner of the Garden in Montgeron" and "Pond in Montgeron", etc.), six works by Pierre Auguste Renoir ("Portrait of the Artist Jeanne Samary", "Girl with a Fan" etc.) eleven paintings by Paul Cézanne ("Banks of the Marne", "Still Life with Drapery", "Fruit", etc.) pastels by Edgar Degas, four works by Vincent Van Gogh. (“Bush”, “Huts”, etc.). The art of Paul Gauguin is represented by fifteen paintings ("Tahitian Pastorals", "Woman Holding a Fruit", etc.). Among thirty-seven works by Henri Matisse such world-famous famous works like: "Red Room", "Dance", "Music". Thirty-seven paintings by Pablo Picasso belong to early periods his creativity: pink, blue, cubist ("Absinthe Drinker", "Date", "Boy with a Dog", "Woman with a Fan", etc.). Nine works by Auguste Rodin, the largest sculptor of the second half of the 19th and early 20th centuries, include works in marble, bronze, and plaster (“Eternal Spring,” “The Sinner,” “ Bronze Age" and etc.)

In order to reveal the topic, it is necessary to solve a number of problems. First, consider the history of creation, in particular consider special contribution in its creation two patrons of art - Morozov and Shchukin. Secondly, study the Impressionist and Post-Impressionist movement itself, which originated in France, understand the features of their painting and identify the most outstanding artists of this movement. Thirdly, describe the biography of one of the representatives of these directions, in this course work- Paul Cezanne.

To solve a number of problems, it is necessary to turn to the literature. In the book “The Impressionists” Gabriele Crepaldi consistently describes the exhibitions of the Impressionists and their immediate initiators. It also describes the reaction of critics to the exhibitions and provides quotes from publications. In the Encyclopedia for Children. Art" one of the articles describes the history of the creation of the collection in the Hermitage by S.I. Shchukin and I.A. Morozov. The book “The State Hermitage” by P.F. Gubchevsky also describes this collection. The book “Impressionism. Illustrated Encyclopedia" by I. Mosin consists of short biographies artists, collectors and critics. Information from various information sites was also used.

The history of the creation of the Hermitage collection of impressionist and post-impressionist paintings

IN brief information it is difficult to characterize the exceptional richness and diversity of the collection of works stored in the Hermitage French art. It covers a huge period, almost five hundred years, from early monuments French Renaissance to paintings by 20th century artists. Excellent works of outstanding painters and sculptors clearly characterize various styles and artistic directions, all the main stages of development visual arts France. Tapestries, fabrics, lace, artistic furniture, faience and porcelain, items made of silver, gold and bronze - this entire unusually rich complex of monuments of applied art gives a broad idea of ​​the culture of the country and helps to correctly understand the interaction various types art. The exhibition “Art of France of the 15th – early 20th centuries,” occupying 39 halls, is the largest in the world outside of France itself. When viewing sequentially, you need to keep in mind that the first half of the exhibition, dedicated to the art of the 15th – 18th centuries, is located in the halls of the 2nd floor, and works of the XIX– beginning of the 20th century are located on the third floor.

Works by impressionist artists occupy a very significant place at the exhibition (halls No. 107, 108). Outstanding painters of this movement - Monet, Pissarro, Sisley, Renoir - are represented by many first-class paintings. Protesting against the routine and falsehood of salon-academic art, the Impressionists turned to direct depictions of the surrounding world. Working only from life, most often on outdoors, in his rural and urban landscapes, scenes Everyday life and in portraits they sought to capture the constant fluidity and variability of nature, perfectly conveyed the air environment, sunlight and subtle changes in color relationships. The coloristic freshness of impressionist paintings, painted in rich and pure tones, colored transparent shadows and a variety of newly developed painting techniques that accurately and faithfully convey optical perception, was a valuable contribution that enriched and expanded the possibilities of painting. However, the exclusive focus only on the color perception of the world, the refusal to reveal the semantic side and ideological significance of various life phenomena soon led the Impressionists to the internal unification of the images they created. It is no coincidence that the methods of impressionism turned out to be insufficient for the deep psychological revelation of a person’s individuality, showing the events of the greatest public importance. In the art of the Impressionists, there is almost no narrative painting that raises significant social, ethical or moral themes - and this despite the exceptional sharpness social conflicts their time.

In the artistic views of the masters of the next generation, subjectivist tendencies were further developed and led to the formalistic quest of artists of the 20th century. It should be noted that the Hermitage collection of works by Cezanne, Gauguin, Marche, Bonnard, Matisse, Picasso and other masters late XIX– first half of the 20th century. so extensive that it can rightly be classified as one of the world's best collections, even taking into account those available in France itself.

Particular merits in collecting works of world art belong to Moscow merchants and entrepreneurs Sergei, Peter and Dmitry Shchukin, Ivan and Mikhail Morozov, who compiled their own collections of the Impressionists and their successors. S.I. Shchukin, based on his collection in 1909, opened a public one, free for visitors art gallery in B. Znamensky Lane near Arbat, in the former palace of Prince Trubetskoy, which was bought by his father from bankrupt aristocrats.

Sergei Ivanovich Shchukin (1854-1936) received higher education at the commercial academy in Germany and in 1890 headed the family business - Trading house"Ivan Shchukin with his sons." This talented and energetic entrepreneur was nicknamed “the porcupine” by his partners for his stubbornness in trade deals. After his marriage, Shchukin settled in Bolshoi Znamensky Lane, in a mansion known in Moscow as the former palace of the Trubetskoy princes. In the Shchukins' house, artists, musicians, and actors were always welcome guests. The collection of S.I. Shchukin was created in 1898-1918. and went through a series of stages when collections of works by the impressionists, post-impressionists, fauvists, the Nabi group, and cubists were acquired successively. However, a number of paintings were purchased as soon as they appeared from the Parisian Marchands, dealers in paintings (as a rule, great art connoisseurs).

Shchukin started his famous collection in the 90s. XIX century, when he became interested in modern Western painting. He often visited Paris and on one of his visits acquired a job French impressionist Claude Monet "Lilacs in the Sun". Monet's first painting, which ended up in Russia, made a huge impression on professional connoisseurs - Moscow painters. However, the general public not only in Russia, but also in the homeland of impressionism, in France, did not yet understand, and sometimes did not want to understand, such painting. Shchukin, possessing a subtle instinct, was able to predict what role the Impressionists would play in the history of art.

Soon, the Russian philanthropist’s collection included paintings that have now become classics: “Portrait of Jeanne Samary” and “Girl in Black” by Auguste Renoir, “Haystack” and “Boulevard des Capucines” by Claude Monet, paintings by Camille Pissarro, Edgar Degas. From 1903-1904 Shchukin began collecting works by Paul Cezanne, Paul Gauguin, Vincent Van Gogh, Pablo Picasso, which attracted the collector with their unusual nature. He himself said: “If, after seeing a painting, you experience a psychological shock, buy it.”

Shchukin first became acquainted with the work of Henri Matisse in 1905 at an exhibition in Paris and since then remained a constant buyer of his paintings. In 1910, Matisse completed two picturesque panels for the Shchukin mansion - “Music” and “Dance”, and in 1911 the artist came to Moscow.

In 1908, Shchukin drew up a will, according to which his entire rich collection became the property of the city. Unique collection Shchukin by the time of the Bolshevik revolution of 1917 included 225 works and gave a complete picture of the development of French painting, starting from the 1870s and up to cubism. Shchukin directly ordered decorative panels for his home from such masters as Bonnard, Villard and Matisse.