Russia-St. Petersburg- The Hermitage Part II

Summer 2008 Baltic vacation Part II of Walking Tour of The (State) Hermitage. This section features most of the religious art and artifacts on display, some bust / torso sculptures and reliefs.
General Information (continued):
The origins of the Hermitage can be traced back to the private art collection of Peter the Great, who purchased numerous works during his travels abroad and later hung them in his residence. Catherine the Great expanded the collection considerably, and she and her successors built the Hermitage collection in large part with purchases of the private collections of the Western European aristocracy and monarchy. By the time Nicholas II ascended the throne in 1894, he was heir to the greatest collection of art in Europe.
After the Revolution of 1917, the museum was opened to the public, and its collection was further augmented by the addition of modern works taken from private collections. Today, the Hermitage has embarked on a major renovation effort. Its collection is in the process of being reorganized, and many of its works have for the first time become available for travelling exhibits outside of the country.

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Travel & Events

Tags:

• Russia
• St Petersburg
• Baltic
• Hermitage
• John McGovern
• Edward Krynicki