The Collections of the Romanovs celebrates the 300th anniversary of the founding of St Petersburg by exploring the role of the Romanov dynasty as collectors of fine and decorative arts. The book explores in particular the historic role of St Petersburg as Russia's window to the West, and features the great masterworks of western European art collected and prized by Romanov tsars, from Peter the Great (ruled 1721-25) to Nicholas II (ruled 1874-1918). Included are masterpieces of painting, drawing, printmaking, porcelain, silver and textile - over 100 works in all, drawn exclusively from the extraordinary collection of the State Hermitage Museum in St Petersburg.
The works are presented clearly by genre, and allow the reader to see and understand the role of successive Russian rulers, the evolution of taste, and changing values as applied to Western art practice. The interaction between East and West - including Russian cultural consumption of western European tastes - emerges as a major theme. The book also advances our knowledge of the history of taste and patronage in Russia. Sumptuously illustrated, scholarly yet accessible, this book is required reading for anyone interested in Russia's imperial past.
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