Works of Art in the Thematic Collections of the Grand Duke Mikhail Nikolaevich. From the Experience of the Collection Reconstruction

The article is devoted to the collection of works art by Grand Duke Mikhail Nikolaevich, which was located in New Palace before revolution, today does not exist as a single whole, but has been preserved separate parts central and regional Russian museums. On basis reconstruction collection, carried out with help written sources revealed pictorial series, its composition analyzed, main thematic blocks were highlighted characteristic features collecting activity owner determined. Until now, this aspect become subject special study. novelty study also lies use previously unpublished archival documents, place among occupied surviving inventories movable property Palace, compiled during life well after nationalization palace. sources, stored museums, made it possible fully recreate reconstruct collection. showed that numerous items related military history, Caucasian life, hunting kept reflected professional occupations interests Nikolaevich. Works have an integral part these collections. criterion for their selection plot, requirement exact fixation events depicted, many witnessed or participated himself. authors paintings, graphic sculptural compositions both renowned artists time lesser-known European masters. significant role Emperor Nicholas I formation artistic tastes Nikolaevich requirements he set noted.