The sketches and drawings of Mikhail Makhayev (1717–1770), the great Russian 18th-century veduta master, are the only way we have of appreciating St Petersburg’s stately appearance during the mid-18th century. Drawn en plein air, Makhayev’s cityscapes were transformed into large-format engravings by some of the Russian capital’s best engravers. It was a national political priority to have views of St Petersburg appear in engraved form. These engravings perpetuated an idealized image of St Petersburg, the Russian Empire’s new capital, a “perfect city” built on lands conquered by Peter the Great in the first quarter of the 18th century and elegantly augmented and refined by his sovereign daughter Elizabeth.
The exhibition features approximately 100 works from the holdings of the Russian Museum: Mikhail Makhayev’s drawings, engravings, and paintings made from his drawings by Russian and Western European artists, as well as the engraved copper plates used to print St Petersburg city views in the mid-18th century.
Drawings and Watercolours by the Wanderers
21 March—8 July 2024
The exhibition presents graphic works created by the founders of the Society of Travelling Art Exhibitions, as well as by artists of the younger generation. Graphic works by the Wanderers supplement the idea of the work of artists whose paintings became significant events in social life.
The Coronation Album of Empress Elizabeth Petrovna. 1744
3 January—1 April 2024
The tradition of creating coronation albums – publications with detailed illustrated descriptions of the coronation ceremony and other ceremonial events accompanying it – appeared in Russia in the 18th century. The current exhibition features three albums from the collection of the Russian Museum.
The collection of masterpieces, chosen by the Russian Museum will allow you to make a first impression of the collection of the Russian Museum.
Russian Museum - one of the world's largest museums and is perhaps the only country where such a full treasure of national culture are presented.
Virtual tour of the museum complex. 2009 (Rus., Eng., Ger., Fin.)
In the online shop of the Russian Museum presented a huge range of souvenirs, illustrated editions and multimedia disks.
Be informed about news, events and exhibitions of the Russian Museum
© 2015
The State Russian Museum
Site development: Projector.media
The Russian Museum is the exclusive owner of all the interior images and pieces of art of the Russian Museum collection, as well as all the images and text information given on its official site. The usage of the texts and images provided on the site is only allowed with the permission of the Russian Museum.