Russian Culture Monday: The Tretyakov Gallery

Monday June 29, 2009

The Tretyakov Gallery in Moscow is one of the most important museums in Russia and is responsible for the most significant collection of Russian art in the world. Iconic images of Russian culture, like the portrait of Pushkin with a plaid sash, and the portrait of Catherine the Great with her dogs, hang in the Tretyakov Gallery. Other easily recognizable images are also a part of the Tretyakov's collection, many from Russia's most celebrated artists. Ilya Repin, Wassily Kandinsky, Kazimir Malevich (responsible for Black Square), and many other famous Russian artists are represented here.

Pavel Tretyakov, a 19th century businessman, established the Tretyakov Gallery. An avid art patron, he befriended artists, supported their work, and commissioned paintings. Tretyakov's love of art made possible the existence of some formerly controversial images as well as portraits of his contemporaries, like Lev Tolstoy.

The Tretyakov Gallery is among Moscow's must-see sights. The images on display are integral to Russian cultural identity and serve as a survey of Russian history for visitors.