Beijing hosts the Soul of Russia special exhibition as part of the ongoing China-Russia Years of Culture

The Capital Museum in Beijing is hosting a special exhibition as part of the ongoing China-Russia Years of Culture. The exhibition, titled “The Soul of Russia," showcases 56 masterpieces from the collection of the State Tretyakov Gallery in Moscow. These works offer a captivating journey through the history of Russian art, spanning various periods and themes. This is reported by China Daily, a partner of TV BRICS.

The exhibition’s origins can be traced back to 1856, when Pavel Tretyakov, a young Moscow merchant, purchased two works by Russian artists: Temptation by N. G. Schilder and Skirmish with Finnish Smugglers by V. G. Kudyakov. This marked the beginning of Tretyakov’s lifelong dedication to collecting Russian art.

The exhibition in Beijing features works that reflect the diverse landscapes of Russia, portrayals of Russian people, traditional scenes of daily life, and historical narratives. The exhibition’s curator, Chen Jingjing, noted that the aim of the exhibition is to give the audience a comprehensive understanding of the country and its people, as seen through the eyes of artists from different eras.

"Not only does it show the tradition of art in Russia, but also the images of Russia, natural environments, a crisscross of Eastern and Western cultures, and daily scenarios that have been presented by its artists over time," Chen added.

The exhibition is timed to coincide with the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Russia, as well as the ongoing Years of Culture of China and Russia (2024-2025). This initiative aims to foster cultural exchange and understanding between the two countries, with over 230 cultural events planned throughout the year.

This is not the first time that the State Tretyakov Gallery has brought its collection to China. In 2015, works by the Peredvizhniki, or "The Wanderers," a group of artists who created a new style of Russian realist art in the 19th century, were displayed at the National Museum of China in Beijing. The exhibition “The Soul of Russia” will be open to the public at the Capital Museum in Beijing until 8 December.

Photo: China Daily