MEXICO CITY.- The most complete collection of Russian imperial art arrives to Mexico, for the first time, through the international exhibition “Czars, Wonders of Imperial Russia. Collections of the State Hermitage Museum”, that will open today at the National Museum of Anthropology (MNA).

More than 500 pieces of the highest aesthetic and historical value give account of the czarist Russia daily life between 17th and the early 20th centuries, part of the collection of this Saint Petersburg museum.

The display of objects allows Mexican public to approach artworks generated in a stage of social, cultural, technological and scientific modernization of the European nation, which derived in the Russian Revolution.

In press conference, Alfonso de Maria y Campos, general director of the National Institute of Anthropology and History (INAH), stated that the international exhibition represents an opportunity to appreciate the art of an empire. “Not being generated by aristocracy or particulars, but conformed by the State, by means of collecting and ordering artwork”.

In his opportunity, Valery Ivanovich Morozov, ambassador of the Russian Federation in Mexico, indicated that this exhibition reunites the best works of the historical Imperial period, particularly the Romanov Dynasty that ruled from 1613 to 1917.

After remembering that the first contacts between Mexico and the Russian Empire, took place in 1890, the diplomat explained that it was in 2002 when the approach between Russian Federation and Mexican people occurred. On that occasion, the State Hermitage Museum presented the exhibition “Mexico, Journey to the Country of Gods”. “ I am sure this exhibition will bring closer our nations and peoples”, he declared.

Gold, silver and diamond jewels; lithographic drawings, large format oil paintings, wood and bronze sculptures, Orthodox religious pieces, table services, personal vehicles, clothing and other articles used by czars and czarinas, conform the exhibition developed by INAH as part of the Great Civilizations international exhibitions cycle.

“Czars, Wonders of Imperial Russia. Collections of the State Hermitage Museum”, is possible thanks to the curatorial work of Mikhail Piotrovsky, the National Council for Culture and Arts (CONACULTA) through INAH, the Embassy of the Russian Federation in Mexico, and the State Hermitage Museum, with the support of Banamex Cultural Foment and the foundations Televisa, Harp Helu, and Pedro and Elena Hernandez.

The Halls - The exhibition is divided in four thematic halls, representing the seasons of the year. The curatorial team leaded by Piotrovsky includes Vyashelav Sedorov and Tamara Rape. Each ambient provides historical and aesthetic context that benefit the appreciation of each object.

The Consecration of Spring Hall is dedicated to Igor Stravinsky, 20th century Russian music composer and director. Russian society historical processes are reflected, as well as antecedents that allow understanding the configuration of this country.

The Summer Hall describes the czar figure, a monarch that extended his power to autocracy. Romanov House exerted power in the Russian Empire for more than 300 years, being women of this dynasty Empresses in several occasions. Michael I, Peter I the Great, Catherine II the Great, and Nicholas II are the most remarkable members of this lineage.

Autumn is the name of the hall dedicated to Paul I and Alexander II, Russian Emperors who share the tragedy of have been murdered. The biography of Paul I, severely judged by history, is the first theme of the hall. Aspects of the life of Alexander II, such as his defense of people and slavery abolition proposition, are exhibited here.

The Winter Hall and is centered in two Emperors: Alexander III and Nicholas II. Romanov women’s dresses and other personal belongings are exhibited in the hall that represents the fall of the Empire with the assassination of Nicholas II and his family in 1917.