The first and only private museum of Florentine mosaics in Russia by B. and L. Oshkukovs

Abstract

The article is devoted to the only private museum of Florentine mosaics in Russia by B. and L. Oshkukovs. The basis of its funds was the personal collection of the founders. It represents all the main forms of mosaics using: from easel decorative panels to inserts in jewelry. The museum's exposition reflects the achievements of all the major art centers of Florentine mosaics in Russia — the works of stone-cutting masters from Khabarovsk, Ufa, St. Petersburg, Moscow, etc. The greatest artistic value is represented by mosaic paintings made both according to well-known pictorial originals, and according to the authors’ sketches. The principal materials for such mosaics are jaspers and other types of hard stones. A separate group in the museum collection consists of mosaic panels made according to the projects of B.L. Oshkukov, inspired by the works of masters of the Russian Avant-garde. On the basis of an interdisciplinary approach, including an art history, cultural and mineralogical analysis of the works of stone-cutting art, the author identifies the features of the main regional centers and kinds of Florentine mosaics.

Keywords

• florentine mosaic
• oshkukovs’ museum
• jasper
• stone-cutting art
• mosaic panel
• флорентийская мозаика
• музей ошкуковых
• яшма
• камнерезное искусство
• мозаичное панно