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Art Experiences At Home: Russian Edition – Forbes

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4 years ago

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             In the period A.C. (After Covid), I needed, more than ever, to look at Art. And given that I didn’t see traveling in the foreseeable future, I started to think: Where have I always wanted to go? What Museum have I always wanted to visit? What first came to mind: The Hermitage in St. Petersburg.

             Turns out The Hermitage has a fairly robust series of video tours, as well as a way to virtually visit the Museum.

             What I expected was a touch of Old Russia, paintings exhibited in less than modern conditions with the holdings consisting of masterworks acquired by the Czars before the Revolution and masterpieces looted by the Soviet Red Army as part of their World War Two spoils of war. In this I was not wrong, but the Hermitage is so much larger and more beautiful than I imagined.

             What I was not prepared for was the grandeur of the Hermitage with its impressive entryway and staircase for visiting dignitaries leading up to hallways (or galleries) filled with portraits of members of the Royal family (including a very imposing Catherine the Great who began the collection), as well as a hallway of generals who were critical in defeating Napoleon. There is a “Great Throne Room’ as well as a and a “Small Throne Room’, and I have to say that although I hold no monarchist sympathies, I found the rooms impressive and the experience of seeing it virtually no less humbling.

             Apple has recently offered up a one-take five hour walk through the entire museum – with dancers prancing through some of the rooms. More of a commitment than I had in mind. But, thankfully, there are several good short videos that give tours of the Hermitage – in English. There are also short videos dedicated to specific collections such as the famous Faberge eggs (which are insane!) and the Gold Room with its collections of early gold pieces from the 1st Century BC Khurgans found among the grave of a Princess.

             But I was there for the paintings. There are a few videos with highlights of the Museum’s collection. Virtually, one can see the Hermitage’s DaVincis and Raphaels and Rembrandt’s “The Return of the Prodigal Son,” all beautiful exemplars of the best of Renaissance and Baroque Art. As a further treat, one can compare Rembrandt’s Danae (with a gauzy Odalisque) to Titian’s voluptuary Danae (they each have aspects to recommend one over the other; but I’ll take the Titian).

For me, however, the highlight was the Hermitage’s French Impressionist collection. The Hermitage has the largest collection of French Impressionist and Post-Impressionist work outside of France. There are amazing artworks by Pissaro, Manet, Van Gogh, Gauguin, Toulouse-Lautrec, Renoir, Degas, Picasso, Matisse. Matisse’s iconic Dance is there (the twin is at MoMA in NY), as well as some exceptional earlier canvasses.  

There is a great tour of the French Impressionist Collection by one of the museum’s curators. However, it in French. The art it focuses on can of course be watched on mute. Should you understand French, it is a real treat. I found it informative and instructive and really allows for a deeper appreciation of the works in the Hermitage’s collection. For example, one of the masterworks discussed is Edgar Degas’ Place de la Concorde. It is a painting of a gentleman and his two children in the famous square in Paris. To modern eyes, it would seem typical of the era. But, as the curator makes clear what is revolutionary about the painting is the use of negative space at the center of the painting. The figures are not posing as if in a portrait but seem captured in a moment (what we would today call a ‘snapshot’). Thus, advancing the cause of ‘Impressionism’ and changing the history of painting.

After my visit to the Hermitage, I started bouncing around the web other videos and websites that the Hermitage led me to. I searched for the Amber Room – which the Nazis stole during World War Two and which has never been recovered although a facsimile was made in Russia in 2003. I thought about visiting the Kremlin and going to visit Lenin’s Tomb. Regrettably, although webcams and Google street view afford one a view of Red Square (much bigger than I imagined), no cameras are allowed inside Lenin’s Tomb or any of the churches surrounding the Kremlin, much to my regret.

             And then I came across The Pushkin Museum with which I was not familiar. This museum has nothing to do with Russia’s most famous and beloved poet, but as indicated by its full name, The Pushkin State Museum of Fine Art in Moscow, it is the largest collection of European Art in Moscow. And what a collection!

             There is a room of Gauguins each more captivating than the next, including some works done in Arles when he was Van Gogh’s roommate. There is also a haunting Van Gogh of prisoners walking in a circle in a prison yard. A sublime Degas pastel, “Blue Dancers.” Renoir’s “Portrait of Jeanne Samary” is as captivating as its subject must have been.

             There is a Monet’s own take on “Dejeuner sur L’herbe” where the picnickers remain clothed – but the light plays off their clothing. As well as a Monet of the Boulevard des Capucines in Paris that is a great exemplar of all that Impressionism sought to achieve – the eye sees a whole street scene even though it is really one precise smudge of paint next to another.

             There is a room of Matisses, and early Blue Period Picassos including one called “Blind Beggar with Boy” whose less politically correct name is “OId Jew and a Boy.”

             One of the more surprising canvases was a 1908 pictorial work by Kazimir Malevich (who would become famous for his Suprematist Abstractions), a rare gouache from his art student days that depicts children at play. Done in a flattened style it was as if Grandma Moses used the palette of the German Fauvists.

             Just to be clear: I did not see all this in one sitting. With the site open in my browser I could return at my leisure to see one or two rooms at a time working my way through the collection of both The Hermitage and then the Pushkin.  It was a very satisfying distraction.

             One day, I hope to see all of this in person, but until then, these amazing collections are there to be seen and to touch the soul of all who gaze upon them.

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Calvin Lucyshyn: Vancouver Island Art Dealer Faces Fraud Charges After Police Seize Millions in Artwork

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1 day ago

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September 13, 2024

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In a case that has sent shockwaves through the Vancouver Island art community, a local art dealer has been charged with one count of fraud over $5,000. Calvin Lucyshyn, the former operator of the now-closed Winchester Galleries in Oak Bay, faces the charge after police seized hundreds of artworks, valued in the tens of millions of dollars, from various storage sites in the Greater Victoria area.

Alleged Fraud Scheme

Police allege that Lucyshyn had been taking valuable art from members of the public under the guise of appraising or consigning the pieces for sale, only to cut off all communication with the owners. This investigation began in April 2022, when police received a complaint from an individual who had provided four paintings to Lucyshyn, including three works by renowned British Columbia artist Emily Carr, and had not received any updates on their sale.

Further investigation by the Saanich Police Department revealed that this was not an isolated incident. Detectives found other alleged victims who had similar experiences with Winchester Galleries, leading police to execute search warrants at three separate storage locations across Greater Victoria.

Massive Seizure of Artworks

In what has become one of the largest art fraud investigations in recent Canadian history, authorities seized approximately 1,100 pieces of art, including more than 600 pieces from a storage site in Saanich, over 300 in Langford, and more than 100 in Oak Bay. Some of the more valuable pieces, according to police, were estimated to be worth $85,000 each.

Lucyshyn was arrested on April 21, 2022, but was later released from custody. In May 2024, a fraud charge was formally laid against him.

Artwork Returned, but Some Remain Unclaimed

In a statement released on Monday, the Saanich Police Department confirmed that 1,050 of the seized artworks have been returned to their rightful owners. However, several pieces remain unclaimed, and police continue their efforts to track down the owners of these works.

Court Proceedings Ongoing

The criminal charge against Lucyshyn has not yet been tested in court, and he has publicly stated his intention to defend himself against any pending allegations. His next court appearance is scheduled for September 10, 2024.

Impact on the Local Art Community

The news of Lucyshyn’s alleged fraud has deeply affected Vancouver Island’s art community, particularly collectors, galleries, and artists who may have been impacted by the gallery’s operations. With high-value pieces from artists like Emily Carr involved, the case underscores the vulnerabilities that can exist in art transactions.

For many art collectors, the investigation has raised concerns about the potential for fraud in the art world, particularly when it comes to dealing with private galleries and dealers. The seizure of such a vast collection of artworks has also led to questions about the management and oversight of valuable art pieces, as well as the importance of transparency and trust in the industry.

As the case continues to unfold in court, it will likely serve as a cautionary tale for collectors and galleries alike, highlighting the need for due diligence in the sale and appraisal of high-value artworks.

While much of the seized artwork has been returned, the full scale of the alleged fraud is still being unraveled. Lucyshyn’s upcoming court appearances will be closely watched, not only by the legal community but also by the wider art world, as it navigates the fallout from one of Canada’s most significant art fraud cases in recent memory.

Art collectors and individuals who believe they may have been affected by this case are encouraged to contact the Saanich Police Department to inquire about any unclaimed pieces. Additionally, the case serves as a reminder for anyone involved in high-value art transactions to work with reputable dealers and to keep thorough documentation of all transactions.

As with any investment, whether in art or other ventures, it is crucial to be cautious and informed. Art fraud can devastate personal collections and finances, but by taking steps to verify authenticity, provenance, and the reputation of dealers, collectors can help safeguard their valuable pieces.

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Ukrainian sells art in Essex while stuck in a warzone – BBC.com

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2 weeks ago

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September 2, 2024

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Ukrainian sells art in Essex while stuck in a warzone  BBC.com



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Somerset House Fire: Courtauld Gallery Reopens, Rest of Landmark Closed

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4 weeks ago

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August 18, 2024

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The Courtauld Gallery at Somerset House has reopened its doors to the public after a fire swept through the historic building in central London. While the gallery has resumed operations, the rest of the iconic site remains closed “until further notice.”

On Saturday, approximately 125 firefighters were called to the scene to battle the blaze, which sent smoke billowing across the city. Fortunately, the fire occurred in a part of the building not housing valuable artworks, and no injuries were reported. Authorities are still investigating the cause of the fire.

Despite the disruption, art lovers queued outside the gallery before it reopened at 10:00 BST on Sunday. One visitor expressed his relief, saying, “I was sad to see the fire, but I’m relieved the art is safe.”

The Clark family, visiting London from Washington state, USA, had a unique perspective on the incident. While sightseeing on the London Eye, they watched as firefighters tackled the flames. Paul Clark, accompanied by his wife Jiorgia and their four children, shared their concern for the safety of the artwork inside Somerset House. “It was sad to see,” Mr. Clark told the BBC. As a fan of Vincent Van Gogh, he was particularly relieved to learn that the painter’s famous Self-Portrait with Bandaged Ear had not been affected by the fire.

Blaze in the West Wing

The fire broke out around midday on Saturday in the west wing of Somerset House, a section of the building primarily used for offices and storage. Jonathan Reekie, director of Somerset House Trust, assured the public that “no valuable artefacts or artworks” were located in that part of the building. By Sunday, fire engines were still stationed outside as investigations into the fire’s origin continued.

About Somerset House

Located on the Strand in central London, Somerset House is a prominent arts venue with a rich history dating back to the Georgian era. Built on the site of a former Tudor palace, the complex is known for its iconic courtyard and is home to the Courtauld Gallery. The gallery houses a prestigious collection from the Samuel Courtauld Trust, showcasing masterpieces from the Middle Ages to the 20th century. Among the notable works are pieces by impressionist legends such as Edouard Manet, Claude Monet, Paul Cézanne, and Vincent Van Gogh.

Somerset House regularly hosts cultural exhibitions and public events, including its popular winter ice skating sessions in the courtyard. However, for now, the venue remains partially closed as authorities ensure the safety of the site following the fire.

Art lovers and the Somerset House community can take solace in knowing that the invaluable collection remains unharmed, and the Courtauld Gallery continues to welcome visitors, offering a reprieve amid the disruption.

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