State Tretyakov Gallery | Moscow

The State Tretyakov Gallery (Государственная Третьяковская галерея) is one of the most renowned and significant art museums in Russia and the world. It houses an exceptional collection of Russian fine art and is often considered the premier institution dedicated to Russian art, showcasing the evolution of Russian painting, sculpture, and iconography from the early medieval period to the modern era.

Key Information about the State Tretyakov Gallery:

Location:

The main building of the Tretyakov Gallery is located in the Luzhnikov district of Moscow, on Lavrushinsky Lane, along the banks of the Moscow River.

The gallery is close to many other significant cultural sites in Moscow, including the Pushkin State Museum of Fine Arts and the Moscow Kremlin.

History:

The Tretyakov Gallery was founded in 1856 by Pavel Tretyakov, a prominent Russian industrialist and philanthropist, who began collecting Russian art to establish a public collection that would promote Russian culture.

Tretyakov's initial collection, which was housed in a private mansion, grew over time to encompass works by the greatest Russian artists, from medieval icon painters to 19th-century masters. By 1892, Tretyakov officially donated his entire collection to the city of Moscow, which marked the creation of the gallery as a public institution.

Over the years, the gallery expanded to include additional buildings, collections, and a focus on contemporary Russian art. Today, the State Tretyakov Gallery is a major cultural institution in Moscow and Russia.

Architecture:

The original gallery building, designed by architect Vladimir Shukov in the 19th century, features Russian Revival architecture, combining traditional Russian designs with the more modern features of the period.

A major expansion to the gallery was completed in 1985, which included a new building designed by architect Alexey Shchusev in a more neoclassical style. The complex now consists of several buildings that house different collections and exhibitions.

Collections:

The Tretyakov Gallery is home to a vast collection of over 180,000 works of art, covering a broad spectrum of Russian artistic achievements. The museum’s collection spans multiple periods and styles, including icons, classic paintings, and 20th-century art.

Early Russian Art & Icons:

The Tretyakov Gallery houses an important collection of Russian Orthodox icons, which represent some of the finest examples of Byzantine and Slavic religious art. Early masterpieces from the Novgorod, Kievan Rus, and Moscow schools are prominently displayed. One of the most famous is Andrei Rublev's "Trinity" (c. 1420), a masterpiece of Russian iconography.

19th-Century Russian Art:

The collection of 19th-century Russian art is the centerpiece of the Tretyakov Gallery. It includes iconic works by some of the most renowned Russian painters, such as:

Ivan Aivazovsky: Famous for his seascapes, Aivazovsky’s works often capture dramatic marine landscapes.

Ilya Repin: One of the most prominent painters of the Russian realist tradition, known for his works such as "Barge Haulers on the Volga" and "Ivan the Terrible and His Son", depicting profound emotional intensity and historical themes.

Viktor Vasnetsov: Known for his depictions of Russian folklore and mythology, including the famous "Bogatyrs".

Alexey Savrasov: Known for his landscape paintings, particularly his "The Rooks Have Come Back".

Russian Realism and Symbolism:

The gallery has an important collection of works from the Russian Realist and Symbolist movements of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Artists such as Valentin Serov, Mikhail Vrubel, and Boris Kustodiev are well-represented with their depictions of Russian culture, folklore, and the changing social landscape of the time.

Soviet and Modern Art:

The gallery also features works from the Soviet period and beyond, including key works from socialist realism, a style favored during the early Soviet years. Notable Soviet artists include Alexander Deineka, Dmitry Zhilinsky, and Tamara de Lempicka.

There is also a significant collection of post-Soviet Russian art, including contemporary works by notable figures in Russian and international art scenes.

Notable Artworks:

The Tretyakov Gallery’s collection is vast, but some of its most notable and popular works include:

Andrei Rublev’s “Trinity” (c. 1420), which is a renowned masterpiece of religious iconography.

Ilya Repin’s “Ivan the Terrible and His Son” (1885), a deeply emotional and controversial painting showing the tsar in a moment of violent rage.

Viktor Vasnetsov’s “Bogatyrs” (1898), depicting Russian knights in a legendary scene.

Levitan’s “Over Eternal Peace” (1894), an example of Russian landscape art that conveys melancholy and beauty in equal measure.

Exhibitions:

The State Tretyakov Gallery regularly hosts temporary exhibitions that showcase both classical Russian art as well as international artists. The gallery's exhibitions cover a wide range of themes, from Russian iconography and landscapes to avant-garde and contemporary art.

The gallery is known for its important exhibitions dedicated to Russian history, literary figures, and artistic movements, such as Impressionism or Modernism.

Visiting the Tretyakov Gallery:

The Tretyakov Gallery is one of Moscow’s top cultural destinations, drawing millions of visitors each year. The gallery provides an immersive experience into the world of Russian art, offering both temporary and permanent exhibitions, educational programs, and guided tours.

The museum is located within walking distance of the Kremlin and is easily accessible by public transport, including the Kropotkinskaya Metro Station.

The museum also offers interactive experiences and family-friendly events, making it an educational destination for people of all ages.

Fun Facts:

The Gallery’s Founder: Pavel Tretyakov, the founder of the gallery, was a wealthy industrialist and a passionate art collector. His vision was to create a national treasure trove of Russian art to make it accessible to the general public.

Major Donors: In addition to Tretyakov’s personal collection, many other key Russian families and philanthropists have contributed to the gallery’s development over the years. Some notable contributions came from the Russian aristocracy and imperial patrons.

Incorporation of Russian Icons: The Tretyakov Gallery holds one of the largest collections of Russian Orthodox icons. The gallery's comprehensive collection showcases the history of Russian iconography, with pieces spanning from the 12th century to the 18th century.

Influence on Russian Art Education: The Tretyakov Gallery has played an important role in Russian art education, often hosting exhibitions and seminars that allow students, scholars, and artists to learn from its extensive collection. It has been instrumental in shaping Russian art scholarship and education.

Conclusion:

The State Tretyakov Gallery is not only a museum but a vital cultural institution that celebrates the artistic heritage of Russia. It offers a unique window into the soul of Russian art, from its earliest religious and folk traditions to the dynamic and diverse developments in modern and contemporary Russian art. Whether you're a casual visitor or an art historian, a trip to the Tretyakov Gallery is an essential experience for anyone looking to understand the heart of Russia's artistic legacy.