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RUSSIA BEYOND THE HEADLINES WWW.RBTH.RU
BOOKMARKS www.rusmuseum.ru/eng/home The Russian Museum – the first state
museum of Russian fine art
Feature
SECTION SPONSORED BY ROSSIYSKAYA GAZETA, RUSSIA
www.ncca.ru/en/main National Centre for Contemporary Arts, Moscow
DISTRIBUTED WITH THE DAILY TELEGRAPH TUESDAY_MAY 26_2009
www.kreml.ru Official website of the Moscow Kremlin museums
Treasure trove London will host the first Russian Art Fair on June 6-8, 2009 National cuisine
Over-the-counter Faberge
A pastry to
be taken
seriously
IRAKLI IOSEBASHVILI
Don’t bid for
GOURMAND
it, buy it
A prianik is a gingerbread cake often
served to the side of your teacup. The simpler
Will the new Russian art fair ipating galleries without any ones look like thick cookies coated in white
find its niche in London, a city input from us. frosting, while the more elaborate varieties,
abundant with world famous such as the famous Tula prianiki, come as
auctions? Or is it simply an The art market is flooded with loaves and are often stamped with a wooden
attempt to vie with Sotheby’s such sophisticated forgeries press to produce an elaborately decorated
and Christie’s by putting that even first-class experts can surface.
forward a more attractive fail to spot them. The major auc- It is only in the last century that the prianik has
method of trading? Here is tion houses are well equipped been thought of as just an ideal accompani-
what Peter London, Russian with state-of-the-art detection ment to a cup of tea. In the past, prianiki were
Art Fair’s director, has to say facilities. What is being done at an indispensable part of nearly every festive
about it. your fair to protect buyers? occasion.
We have a committee of ex- They were baked for births and holidays and
OLGA DMITRIEVA, NADIA KIDD
perts including, for example, weddings: according to tradition, a newly mar-
RUSSIA NOW Dr Elena Basner, who has de- ried couple had to bring a prianik to the bride’s
veloped an advanced method parents several days after their wedding.
We very much look to comple- of isotopic testing to verify Prianiki were in such high demand that there
ment the auctions. It is no co- whether a painting was pro- was even a profession dedicated solely to their
incidence that we are holding duced after 1945. Any oil creation – "prianishniki" were highly respected
the fair at the start of Russian painting made in the nuclear craftsmen who passed their secret family reci-
Sales Week. era will show traces of caesi- pes for preparing prianiki from one generation
However, our aim is different: um-137 and strontium-90. to the next.
to create a relaxed yet glam- Pre-war fakes of avant-garde For reasons unknown, Tula, a town about 200
orous setting for buyers of paintings are not known. kilometres south of Moscow, became the pri-
Connoisseurs of Russian art Russian art where decisions Anthony Parton of Durham anik-making capital of Russia. Here, in the 17th
are preparing for the June from
WWW.RUSSIANARTFAIR.COM
can be made gradually and University – a leading expert and 18th centuries, the country’s best prianshiki
debut in London of the leading represent with the advice of experts. in the fi eld of Russian avant- brought the art form to its apogee, creating
Russian Art Fair. London-based bring around 80pc of A fair is always a festive oc- garde – has written a feature prianiki of every conceivable shape – letters,
Faberge masterpieces, auction houses on the back all buyers. Creating casion – not a battleground on the star Goncharova animals, little gingerbread houses. A famous
paintings by Natalia “next sales record beaten” national a frenzy around Russian art to compete against other col- painting at the fair while prianik museum still stands in Tula today.
Goncharova and Pyotr at one of the many Russian treasures that had was inevitable, and this has lectors. However, auctions are other experts will make up a Enjoy this classic prianik recipe, which comes
Konchalovsky, unique icons, auctions are seen regularly. been taken out of the coun- helped spark signifi cant glo- still the main place to buy. strong vetting committee straight out of the books of the famous Tulsky
Imperial Russian silver, and Last year, Russian art sales try, and could now embody bal interest. An example of Every world record is set at who will ensure quality and Pryanik museum in Tula.
much sought-after rare items by Sotheby’s and Christie’s the great power and might of the success of the Russian auction. We are just offering authenticity. And don’t forget that cup of tea.
such as a 19th-century reached an impressive the new Russia. Over the school of painting is that the an alternative.
Russian Troika from the £180mn. past few years, Russians cre- latest official portraits of the Can you name any of the star at-
collection of Duke Having started modestly ated truly valuable collec- Queen and the royal family Who is taking part in the fair? tractions exhibiting at the Fair?
Roxborough and more, will be nearly a decade ago, Russian tions deserving of the best were by Sergei Pavlenko, a Was it a selection to your taste The main attraction is Gon-
offered for sale directly from art auctions have become a graduate of the Repin St Pe- or was anybody welcome? charova’s “Fishmonger”.
IZOSOFT.RU
the exhibition stands. “pre-planned” sensation. In- tersburg State Academy of We invited high-profi le gal- There will also be paintings
itially Western observers ‘The latest of- Arts. Apparently, the Queen leries from across the north- by artists such as Ivan Puni,
OLGA DMITRIEVA, NADIA KIDD
were puzzled, wondering
ficial portraits of
has referred the new portrait ern hemisphere, which is giv- El Lissitzky, Alexandra Exter
RUSSIA NOW what to make of this emerg-
the Queen and the
as her favourite since her ing the fair a truly interna- and Petr Petrovich Kon-
ing phenomenon. Was it
royal family were
coronation. tional feel. Precious icons will chalovsky. Another star item
Visitors should not, however, some incomprehensible Tellingly, the prices of Rus- be on sale from galleries such is an exceptionally rare icon
expect to see members of the fashion for Russian art? Was by Sergei Pavlenko, sian art pieces have risen as Gallery Kratochwill of Vi- by one of the major painters
House of Fabergé behind the it a lucrative investment?
a graduate of the
around 25pc annually for enna, Marcus Icon Gallery of of the Novgorod school – The
counters laying out their More likely, it was a growing
Repin St Petersburg
the past two years. The glo- St Petersburg and Berlin, Saint Michael icon of
family relics. Instead, repu- class of Russian philanthro-
State Academy of
bal crisis has certainly Paretsky Antique Gallery of Novgorod. Prianik: a gingerbread cake delight perfect with tea
table art galleries from such pists, intent on showing they brought new developments: Berlin and Made in Russia of Our expectations for the fair
countries as Great Britain, were just as art-savvy as Arts’ customers have tamed their the USA; rare Russian books are very high. London re- Ingredients
the United States, Germany, their reputed American appetites, switching from and illustrations will be of- mains the true capital of Rus- • 1 1/2 cups flour cardomon, ginger and
Austria and Russia will act peers. Meanwhile, this phe- the highest-priced master- fered by Shapero of London; sian art. • 1/2 cup honey cinnamon
as sellers. nomenon has a clearly patri- international museums. pieces to works within the AASN from Hertfordshire Together with our partners, • 25 grams butter • 1/2 cup thick jam (any
London has become the in- otic rationale: the wealthy Demand for Russian art is medium range. will display silver and items Robert Bailey Fairs, we have • 2 tablespoons baking flavour)
ternational centre for Rus- new class of art owners in booming thanks largely to Still, the market shows no from the Crimean War; 19th- 25 years experience organis- soda • 1/2 cup water
sian art. Triumphant reports Russia was determined to Russians themselves, who signs of stagnation.
-
century landscapes and early ing quality fairs in London • 1/4 tablespoon each
20th-century paintings from and the UK. We hope this fi rst
the Russian avant-garde will Russian Art Fair will become Preparation
be on sale from galleries in- the next major player on the For sugar syrup…
cluding Leonid Shishkin Gal- global fairs circuit and we in- Bring the water to a boil.
lery of Moscow, Russian Prov- tend to make it an annual Dissolve the sugar into the boiling water.
enance of Berlin and Sphinx event in London.
-
Once the sugar is dissolved completely, remove the pan
Fine Art of London. In all, from the heat.
about 40 galleries are partici- The event will be staged in the
pating. We do not take appli- Ballroom and Garden Rooms, Dough
cations from individual col- Jumeirah Carlton Tower, Add melted honey, butter, soda and cinnamon to dough,
lectors, which is where we dif- Knightsbridge, June 6-8. It knead as necessary.
fer from the auction houses. will open with a charity gala Sprinkle flour on a flat surface, then roll dough to a thick-
evening in the presence of ness of not more than 1cm.
How are you going to produce Prince and Princess Lobanov- Cut dough into rectangles.
the estimates for the fair? Rostovsky in aid of the Chil- Spread a generous tablespoon of jam into a rectangle of
Works for sale will not differ dren's Fire and Burn Trust dough, then cover it with another rectangle, sealing the
from the standard gallery (Prince Michael of Kent edges to prevent leakage.
price. We do not have any vet- GCVO is patron). Put on greased baking sheet and bake for 10 minutes at
ting procedure on prices and 350 degrees F.
WWW.RUSSIANARTFAIR.COM WWW.RUSSIANARTFAIR.COM WWW.RUSSIANARTFAIR.COM they will be set by the partic- www.russianartfair.com Bake for 5-10 more minutes at 325 degrees.
From left: Serge Ferat, Still Life with a Vase; Natalia Goncharova, The Fishmonger; Konstantin Makovsky, Portrait of a Lady Glaze with sugar syrup when cool.
Global Russian
by Shostakovich, The Chamber Symphony and conducted by Valeriy Ovsyanikov. of the items offered will be Ilya Repin’s “Seated given as gifts to members of the imperial family
Prelude and Scherzo. Sergey Diaghilev was always the driving force Nude with Her Lapdog”. or foreign rulers, Sotheby’s experts say.
culture
The Moscow Virtuosi Chamber Orchestra behind the Ballets Russes, and when he died www.macdougallauction.com www.sothebys.com
was founded by its current artistic director and in 1929 the company disbanded. But in just
conductor Vladimir Spivakov. Today it has an two decades the genius of the creative team Tsar’s vases at Sotheby’s The Ring of the Nibelung
calendar
enviable reputation as a finely honed, interna- he assembled had completely revolutionised June 10, London July 29-August 1, Covent Garden, London
tionally renowned ensemble. Western cultural life and heavily influenced Sotheby’s auction house will present a unique The Mariinsky Opera of St Petersburg will
www.barbican.org.uk artistic movements across all disciplines, from pair of imperial vases. The vases were previ- present its acclaimed production of The Ring
symbolism and Art Nouveau to modernism and ously in the collection of Grand Duke of Russia of the Nibelung. On four successive nights the
The Moscow Virtuosi 30th Anniversary Gala performance celebrating Art Deco. Vladimir Kirillovich (1917-1992), the only son German composer Richard Wagner’s cycle of
Concert Diaghilev’s Ballets Russes centenary www.roh.org.uk of Grand Duke Kirill Vladimirovich, cousin to operas will be conducted by Valery Gergiyev,
June 3, Barbican Centre, London June 7, Royal Opera House, London the last Russian Emperor Nicholas II, and the the Mariinsky’s art director.
Sure to be one of this summer’s hottest tickets, An evening of classic masterpieces from the Sale of Russian art at MacDougall’s only direct heir to the imperial Russian throne. www.mariinsky.ru
the concert showcases a superb repertoire Ballets Russes repertoire. Ballet stars from June 8-11, London The porcelain palace vases are adorned with
for string orchestra, including Britten’s Less the Bolshoi and Mariinsky theatres, the Royal The MacDougall’s auction house, specialists lush floral ornamentation in two-colour gold
Illuminations (with tenor Toby Spence), the Ballet and Grand Opera, Paris, will be joined in Russian art, will hold sales of orthodox icons and copies of old masters’ paintings. Such im-
For more events, visit
Tchaikovsky Serenade and two dazzling works by the orchestra of the English National Ballet, and 19th- and 20th-century Russian art. One portant and magnificent articles were typically www.rbth.ru
To
advertise
in this
supplement
contact
Julia Golikova
your short cut to doing golikova@rg.ru
business
fax +7 (495) 988 9213
www.rbth.ru tel.: +7 (495) 775 3114 e-mail: rbth@rg.ru
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