Icons from the Collection of Sergei Stroganov

The exhibition Icons from the Collection of Sergei Stroganov presents works of icon painting, pictorial embroidery, and decorative metalwork from the Russian Museum’s collection. The choice of the Stroganov Palace as the exhibition venue is particularly harmonious: before the October Revolution, this very building housed the extensive collections of the Stroganov family, including paintings by Russian and Western European artists, sculptures, icons, and family heirlooms.

Count Sergei Stroganov (1794–1882), a member of the illustrious Stroganov family, was actively involved in public and educational life as a member of the Committee for the Organisation of Educational Institutions and as Trustee of the Moscow Educational District. Between 1860 and 1865, he also served as tutor to the heir to the throne, Tsesarevich Nicholas Alexandrovich. The count made a significant contribution to enriching the family’s possessions, expanding the ancestral art collection and assembling a unique collection of Russian icons.

In the second half of the 19th century, Sergei Stroganov’s icon collection ranked among the most significant of those times. Large-size icons from cathedral iconostases and miniature icons installed in wall-mounted cases drew the count’s attention as expressions of Christian piety upheld by his forebears. Archival research has revealed that these icons originally constituted part of the decoration of the Annunciation Cathedral in Solvychegodsk – the ancestral estate of the eminent Stroganov family, the wealthiest salt merchants. The founder of the dynasty, Anikey Stroganov, along with his sons and grandsons, supported the Annunciation Cathedral over several decades by donating icons, precious liturgical vessels, and elaborately crafted embroideries. Imperial icon painters in Moscow and craftsmen working in northern Russian workshops made numerous icons as commissions. Of particular importance are the inscriptions on the reverse sides of the icons, which document the names of the donors – Count Stroganov’s ancestors, as well as the names of the artisans who brought these works to life.

The exceptional craftsmanship of icons executed in the style of detailed painting later led to these works being referred to as “Novgorod style”. These icons are characterised by their delicate miniature technique, small scale, occasionally rare subjects, and distinctive iconography.

Sergei Stroganov expanded his collection through new acquisitions. After moving to St Petersburg, his collection was housed in the family residence on the Moika River, the Stroganov Palace. By that time, it comprised around 180 icons of both early and later styles.

Alongside the icons, the exhibition includes samples of pictorial embroidery from other private collections, created by the wives of the distinguished Stroganov family members, as well as works by craftsmen from Usolye who produced enamelled items in the Stroganov estates. Silversmiths also worked on commissions for the Stroganovs in Solvychegodsk, Moscow, and other cities. Mastering complex techniques, these artisans created a wide range of ecclesiastical and secular objects.