Pyotr Neradovsky (1875–1962). On the 150th Anniversary of His Birth

The future head of the Art Department at the Emperor Alexander III Russian Museum, Pyotr Neradovsky, was born into an artist’s family in Moscow. His father, Ivan Neradovsky (1837–1881), was a graduate of the Moscow School of Painting, Sculpture and Architecture. Inheriting his father’s artistic talent, Pyotr followed in his footsteps and gained admission to the same school’s painting department at just 13 years old. Neradovsky’s first teacher was Sergei Korovin, who provided him with professional skills and knowledge. Later, he continued his studies in the workshop of Leonid Pasternak. After moving to St Petersburg, Neradovsky entered the Imperial Academy of Arts, where he studied under Ilya Repin from 1896 to 1903. His graduation work, Song (now lost), which included six studies, was exhibited at the Academy’s annual exhibition in 1903 and drew attention for its unusual interpretation of the subject. After graduating from the Academy, the talented painter worked with great energy and enthusiasm, participating in the founding of the New Society of Artists, which existed from 1904 to 1917. For four years, until 1910, he also served as the society’s secretary. He regularly exhibited his new works, which were always favorably reviewed by critics. Among his painted portraits, one of particular note is his depiction of Count Alexander Olsufiev (1906, State Russian Museum), which received high praise from Alexandre Benois and was shown at the international exhibition in Rome in 1911.

Neradovsky also created a number of graphic portraits of prominent figures from the contemporary Russian artistic intelligentsia. These include Nikolai Punin, an art historian and researcher at the Russian Museum; Dmitry Mitrokhin, an artist and head of the Department of Prints and Drawings of the Russian Museum; and well-known artists such as Viktor Vasnetsov, Konstantin Juon, Sergei Chekhonin, and many others.

Neradovsky became curator of the Art Department of the Russian Museum in 1909. According to the Museum’s charter at the time, curatorial positions were filled through a competition conducted by the Academy of Arts. In the secret ballot, Neradovsky ranked second on the list. However, the Director of the Russian Museum, Grand Duke George Mikhailovich, chose Pyotr Neradovsky for the position, preferring “a younger and more energetic” candidate. The Deputy Director, Count Dmitry Tolstoy, wrote in his Autobiographical Notes: “His appointment, one could say, marked a new era for the Art Department, and the old routine suffered a final defeat.”

Pyotr Neradovsky had to reorganize and implement many changes at the Russian Museum. The talented artist unexpectedly transformed into a first-rate museum professional. He understood the need to create a new exhibition, applying modern scholarly approaches to the display of paintings. He also facilitated the acquisition of new works, significantly expanding the museum’s collection.

His official duties were broad and varied. He succeeded in establishing new departments: the Antiquities Repository (now the Department of Old Russian Art), a library, and a photo archive. Neradovsky was also among the founders of the Museum’s research archive.

Under his leadership, a number of expeditions across Russia increased, bringing back examples of folk art for the Museum’s collection. He carried out significant research and published several articles. In 1914, he was elected a full member of the Academy of Arts. During World War I, Neradovsky was called up for military service, but by 1916, he was recalled from the army and returned to the Museum.

In 1922, thanks to Pyotr Neradovsky, a new, carefully curated permanent exhibition was created at the Russian Museum, earning high praise from the museum community. From 1912 to 1929, he not only served as curator but also headed the Art Department, and from 1929 to 1932, he remained an active member of the Museum’s board. In the 1930s, he was arrested twice. After being released early – thanks to the efforts of Igor Grabar – Neradovsky took charge of the Zagorsk branch of the Central Art Restoration Workshop. From 1950 onward, he worked in Moscow, and throughout these years, he continued to engage in graphic art and participated in many exhibitions.

On Pyotr Neradovsky’s 80th birthday, officially celebrated on 21 April 1955 at the Moscow branch of the Union of Soviet Artists, academician Igor Grabar stated: “All of you are well acquainted with the State Russian Museum in Leningrad. Let me tell you – Pyotr Neradovsky is its de facto creator. And I am happy to remind you of that today.”

Pyotr Neradovsky died on 20 December 1962 in Moscow and was buried at the Danilov Cemetery.