The Most Wonderful Art: Icons from the Collection of Grigory Leps
It’s not a secret that antique icons have long been important collectible items highly sought-after by both connoisseurs and serious collectors of religious art. This is especially true for antique Russian icons that are often sold for tens and even hundreds of thousands of dollars at Jackson’s, Sotheby’s, Christie’s, and other auctions. Besides, a collection of religious icons can be found in almost any large museum of art, including at the State Tretyakov Gallery in Moscow, the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, and the British Museum in London. Plus, collectors also showcase their treasures at different exhibitions in the United States, Russia, and other countries worldwide. For example, a truly amazing private collection of antique Russian icons is now on view at the State Historical Museum in Moscow.
The Most Wonderful Art: Icons from the Collection of Grigory Leps
As the name suggests, “The Most Wonderful Art: Icons from the Collection of Grigory Leps” is an exhibition of religious icons from the collection of the popular Russian composer and singer Grigory Leps. Featuring 200 rare examples of antique Russian icons created in the 16th – early 20th centuries, it is undoubtedly a big event for everyone who loves and appreciates religious icon art.
First of all, the collection of Grigory Leps has never been shown to the public before, so “The Most Wonderful Art” exhibition at the State Historical Museum in Moscow is indeed a unique chance to get acquainted with some of the finest examples of museum-quality icons held in private hands.
Secondly, the exhibition features truly exceptional Russian icons created by Mstera and Palekh iconographers, not to mention several outstanding examples painted by Old Believers and masters of the Moscow school. These particularly include Icon of Christ Pantocrator with Sts. Macarius of Kalyazin and Marfa of Cappadocia in the border scenes, Icon of Christ Emmanuel with Evangelists and Archangels, Icon of the Mother of God “Assuage My Sorrows,” Icon of the Royal Deesis with the Kneeling Monk Theodosios the Great and St. Varlaam of Khutyn, and Icon of St. Maximus the Greek.
Finally, “The Most Wonderful Art” exhibition also features true masterpieces of miniature painting that was especially popular in Palekh, Mstera, and Kholui.
The exposition is on view through January 14, 2019, so you still have a chance to visit the State Historical Museum in Moscow and get acquainted with the amazing antique Russian icons from the collection of Grigory Leps!
