Dates: Late spring 2003-Fall 2004
Location: Special Exhibitions Gallery, European Sculpture and Decorative Arts Galleries, first floor
The 300th anniversary of the founding of Saint Petersburg will be celebrated with a display of The Metropolitan Museum of Art's important holdings of sculpture and decorative works of art, either made in the imperial Russian capital or formerly included in Saint Petersburg collections. Reflecting the splendor and cosmopolitan culture of the czarist court, the selection of approximately 65 objects, dating from about 1700 to the early 20th century, includes exquisitely crafted furniture, silver, porcelain, jewelry, and other luxury items of Russian, as well as French and German manufacture. On view from late spring 2003 through fall 2004, Celebrating Saint Petersburg inaugurates the Metropolitan's new European Sculpture and Decorative Arts Department's Special Exhibitions Gallery.
Named for its founder, Peter the Great, and his patron saint, the city of Saint Petersburg was established in 1703 as a symbol to the world of the new "Westernization" and cultural flowering of Russia ushered in by his reign—Peter imported the most accomplished architects, artists, and craftsmen from all over Europe to design and beautify the new capital—and to impart their skills to their Russian counterparts. Picturesquely sited on the banks of the Neva River and its delta islands, Saint Petersburg became known as the "Venice of the North."
The glittering array of palaces and elegant townhouses rising along its waterways and boulevards provided the original setting for many of the objects in this exhibition. Among the highlights is the spectacular bust (anonymous, ca. 1703-4) of the first governor general of Saint Petersburg, Prince Alexander Menshikov, wearing an extravagantly curled wig and armor decorated with images of the great generals of antiquity. Items produced in the Imperial Porcelain Manufactory, established in Saint Petersburg in 1744, include a delicate rococo covered cup and saucer from a tea service made ca. 1760 for Empress Elizabeth I, as well as an outstanding group of figurines, ordered by Catherine II (the Great), representing nations contained within the vast Russian empire. A magnificent Parisian neoclassical-style tureen, made ca. 1770-71 by Jacques Nicolas Roettiers, exemplifies the imperial Russian taste for all things French. It originally formed part of an enormous silver service commissioned by Catherine the Great for her favorite, Count Gregory Orloff. French furniture was also greatly in demand among the Russian elite. From Pavlovsk Palace comes a secretary of ca. 1776, mounted with Sèvres porcelain plaques and attributed to the famed Parisian cabinetmaker Martin Carlin.
One of the most important objects on view is a splendid ornamental table—recently acquired by the Metropolitan—that was made ca. 1780-85 for the imperial family at the Imperial Armory in Tula, south of Moscow. Encrusted with faceted cut-steel beading, its diamond-like sparkle and fairytale appearance make it the ultimate embodiment of 18th-century Russian decorative arts.
Featured works of the 19th century include a brilliantly conceived porcelain table, commissioned in 1834 from the Royal Porcelain Manufactory in Berlin by the Prussian King Frederick William III as a gift for the Grand Duchess Helena Pavlovna of Russia. Also on view will be jewelry and silver by a variety of of 19th- and 20th-century Russian silversmiths, including objects from the legendary Russian firm of Carl Fabergé.
The exhibition is organized by Wolfram Koeppe, Associate Curator, and Marina Nudel, Research Associate, both in the Department of European Sculpture and Decorative Arts.
Celebrating Saint Petersburg will be accompanied by a variety of educational programs, including lectures and gallery talks.
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