'Neo-Russian Style' exhibition opens at National Museum
MUSCAT: Within the frameworks of 'The Russian Seasons,' the National Museum inaugurated the 'Neo-Russian Style' exhibition hosted in collaboration with the State Hermitage Museum, under the auspices of Qais bin Mohammed al Yousef, Minister of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion.
The exhibition, which will run until November 2, is dedicated to the bright period in the history of artistic life of the Russian Empire in the 1880s-1910s, when 'the Russian style' in art formed several decades earlier was experiencing its new rise.
The features of the Neo-Russian style during the rule of the last emperors Alexander III and Nicholas II manifested themselves in the architecture of St Petersburg, Moscow, large and small provincial towns of Russia, in works of painting, sculpture, decorative and applied art.
Jamal bin Hassan al Mousawi, Secretary-General of the National Museum, stated in his opening speech that the inauguration of this exhibition comes as part of a series of cultural events under the Russian Cultural Seasons, reflecting the ongoing interaction with cultural and museological institutions in the Russian Federation to strengthen the bonds of cultural and museological cooperation — the most recent of which was the launch of the National Museum's website in the Russian language.
He added: "As part of cultural diplomacy, work is underway on a number of joint projects and events with the Russian Ministry of Culture, including the hosting of musical seasons at Bayt Greiza this coming October, as well as cooperation with the State Tretyakov Gallery to organise an exhibition on the pioneers of Omani fine art.
Oleg Vladimirovich Levin, Ambassador of the Russian Federation to the Sultanate of Oman, in his speech said that the exhibition sheds light on a period of Russian culture in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, known as the peak of the 'Russian style', which reflects the diversity of traditions of the Russian Empire as manifested in art, architecture and daily life.
He added that this exhibition represents an important step in strengthening the cultural dialogue between the Russian Federation and the Sultanate of Oman, as it demonstrates how art and tradition can serve as a bridge between nations in the pursuit of preserving the world's cultural heritage.
The exhibition showcases remarkable examples of applied arts and historical masquerade costumes that were worn at court balls in Imperial Russia. He also referred to the opening of the second exhibition under the Hermitage Museum Corner initiative, entitled 'Gifts of the Emirs of Bukhara and Central Asia to the Russian Imperial Court' and expressed his enthusiasm for the forthcoming exhibition in the 'Oman Hall' at the State Hermitage Museum.
The exhibits include gifts to the Russian monarchs: tray dishes, saltcellars and fans. These items, like a mirror, reflected the idea of the unity of the people, the Church and the Tsar, formulated in the Russian Empire back in the first third of the 19th century as the official ideological triad.
Among the exhibits is a silver presentation dish presented to Emperor Alexander III and Empress Maria Feodorovna by oilmen from the Absheron Peninsula during their visit to the Caucasus in 1888 CE. The dish was crafted in the Russian style at the renowned jewelry factory of Ivan Khlebnikov.
The exhibition also features a silver presentation salt cellar with Lid presented to Emperor Nicholas Il upon his return from his Eastern journey between 1890 and 1891. It was produced at the famous Pavel Ovchinnikov factory in Moscow and gifted to the emperor by artisans from the Southern Ural region.
Additionally, the exhibits include a lace fan made from Vologda bobbin lace, featuring the letter 'M' engraved on a yellow Stain Pad in Wooden Case. The fan belonged to Empress Maria Feodorovna and it dated 1883 CE.
Also, on display is a Portrait of a young woman wearing a traditional Russian outfit, including the kokoshnik headdress, painted by artist Sofya Yunker-Kramskaya, dating back to the early 20th century.
Of particular interest are the character costumes designed for the popular Russian-style costume parties of the time and made in the capital's shops by the best tailors for representatives of the imperial family and the highest aristocracy.
The Yusupov princes whose costumes will be on display at the exhibition were said to be incomparable organisers of masquerades and 'historical balls' in St Petersburg. — ONA
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