Pet Friendly: no
Cost: Generally, $7/person, but $0 if you get tickets at the library, as we did
Total Budget: $31/$50
Today I was joined by my lovely wife, Laura. Together, we were able to share an experience that has special meaning to her. The meaning comes in the form of a stirred memory, first created while we were living in Las Vegas. At that time, Laura had the opportunity to travel overseas for the first time in her life. She and some others from our church made up a team setting out on a short-term mission trip to Belarus, in Eastern Europe.
Today's outing was to the Museum of Russian Art. Although Belarus is not a part of Russia, it did at one time share a common government and culture while under the umbrella of the U.S.S.R. As we made our way through the museum, Laura was reminded of familiar rural scenes, clothing styles and forms of artistic expression that she encountered while she was there.
I was expecting to see a museum full of matryoshka dolls and other stereotypical Russian souvenirs. But, instead, we were welcomed by a refreshing trio of exhibits that amazed and astonished us. The three exhibits were; a collection of oil paintings by the 'Master' artist, Vasili Nechitailo; a collection of Russian lacquer miniatures, and a collection of Imperial Porcelain that belonged to the Romanovs.
All three exhibits represented works done by the most skilled of hands. Both Laura and I went from display to display with jaws wide open at the time and pure talent that was behind each work. The brush strokes of Nechitailo were broad, sweeping and somewhat messy when looked at in close proximity, but when stepping back and looking at the piece as a whole, it was pure beauty... with every stroke representing appropriate light and shadow.
The historical significance of the porcelain ware was just as intriguing as the effort behind each piece's creation. Delicate strokes followed established patterns representative of each royal Romanov throne in a calculated manner.
Lastly, I can barely imagine the intense concentration and steady hands needed to create the lacquer miniatures. They became the outlet of artistic expression after the Romanov family was extinguished and the Bolsheviks put strict outlines on what was acceptable, and what would put you into an early grave. Images, or icons, depicting religion, the opiate of the masses, was strictly prohibited. Therefore, these tightly detailed images, painted by miniscule brushes, generally portrayed cultural and social imagery.
I'm not an art critic, so don't take too much of the above at my word. Although I enjoy picking up a paint brush myself, I generally don't enjoy art museums that much. I have had a difficult time in the past connecting to the efforts and expression of other artists. However, today, I feel like I was able to see the entire creative process of these artists. I don't know if it's because of my recent attempts at oil painting, or simply because the Russian Museum of Art has done a fantastic job at holistically representing the artists, the art, the history, the society and the process.
As far as recommendations... if you enjoy history, art or culture, I recommend you check this one out. It's a jewel in the rough. But, be sure to read all the plaques that give context and history. I feel it's safe to say, you won't regret it.
Some oil paintings of Vasili Nechitailo on exhibit at the Museum of Russian Art
An example of a Russian Lacuer Miniature
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