Exhibition «Cossackdom: Support of the Russian State»
Cossackdom with its rich past, age-old traditions and special role in a number of momentous events of the Russian history left a considerable mark in Russian art. Artists of the 18th–20th centuries represented the Cossacks both as a vibrant human element, a free armed unit with an indomitable nature and as a support of the state, faithful servants of the tsar and motherland who are eager to defend the sovereignty and integrity of Russia at any moment.
The exhibition at the Marble Palace brings together about 100 works of painting, graphic and applied arts on the Cossack theme from the collection of the Russian Museum. It includes portraits, landscapes and works on historical subjects by Ilya Repin, Vasily Polenov, Valentin Serov, Vasily Surikov, Alexei Venetsianov, Aleksander Orłowski and other outstanding masters of Russian art.
The public will see the portraits of the imperial family members wearing Cossack uniforms, prominent figures of the Cossack movement including Yermak, Dmitry Martynov, and Matvei Platov. The exhibition features the landscapes depicting the original places of Cossack settlements in the Caucasus, Siberia, Don and Volga Regions, Cossack bivouacs, guard posts, as well as sketches and paintings on historical themes, such as the Cossack rebellions led by Stepan Razin and Yemelyan Pugachev.
Graphic drawings of Cossacks wearing relevant attire with headdresses and weapons, ethnographic costumes and officially accepted regimental uniforms, lacquer boxes, sculptures, as well as decorated vases, cups, plates, and small-scale porcelain items – all these works are on display at the Marble Palace.
Skillfully created illustrations to the works of classic literature devoted to the Cossacks including Nikolai Gogol’s Taras Bulba and Mikhail Sholokhov’s And Quiet Flows the Don are widely represented at the show.
The exhibition at the Russian Museum reflects all the most significant stages of the Russian Cossacks’ rich history. Today, Cossack traditions of service to the motherland are extremely important for the society since they encourage public spirit and patriotism.
The exhibition is held in the Marble Palace until September 11, 2024.
The exhibition is part of the St Petersburg International United Cultures Forum.
