Painting by Russian artists from the collection of Petrograd collector Alexander Korovin in the Omsk Regional Museum of Fine Arts named after M.A. Vrubel

Abstract

The article presents an analytical review of the paintings of diverse genres from the collection of Alexander Aleksandrovich Korovin (1870–1922), a hereditary St Petersburg merchant, manufactory merchant and collector, which are currently held in the Omsk Regional Museum of Fine Arts named after M.A. Vrubel. The article provides a detailed account of the history of creation and existence of the works from the collection. The necessity of examining and analysing these works is justified by the requirement to ascertain their significance within the context of A.A. Korovin's biography and collecting activities. Furthermore, it is essential to determine the value of these paintings, the originality and originality of the manner of their authors. The article presents the results of a comprehensive study based on a variety of sources, namely: the stock materials of the Omsk Regional Museum of Fine Arts named after M.A. Vrubel, documents stored in the State Historical Archive of the Omsk region, rare pre-revolutionary publications, reference books and catalogues, as well as articles by contemporary art historians about the collector. Particular attention is devoted to the large-format canvas “Salome” (1908) by V.I. Denisov, which is exhibited for the first time almost a century after its arrival at the jubilee exhibition “Parade of Premieres” at the end of 2024 at the Museum named after M.A. Vrubel. In analysing the collection, the historical and biographical method, as well as elements of iconographic and formal-stylistic analysis, are employed. It is demonstrated that, in contrast to other Russian collectors, A.A. Korovin demonstrated a notable interest in contemporary art, in the work of artists who had not yet achieved significant recognition from the public or critics, and who were subsequently highly esteemed.