Russian Icon Collection Presented Its Catalog at the Museum of Fine Arts in Veliky Novgorod

“Russian Icons from the Mid-17th to the Early 20th Century. The Oleg Kushnirskiy Collection” is a catalog of icons from the private collection of Oleg Kushnirskiy. The collector spent years assembling his collection in the United States and finally shared his achievements with the public. The book presented by Russian Icon Collection can be currently found in many cultural and educational institutions in Russia and beyond.

The Museum of Fine Arts in Veliky Novgorod hosted the presentation of the catalog “Russian Icons from the Mid-17th to the Early 20th Century. The Oleg Kushnirskiy Collection” on October 25, 2023. The event was attended by historians, collectors, journalists, and other important figures in culture, art, and collecting. People who were directly involved in the creation of the book and supported its publication gave their speeches.

Among the distinguished speakers were the advisor to the general director of the Novgorod Museum-Reserve, Isaac Freidman; the director of the museum, Sergei Brun; the director of the collection and son of Oleg Kushnirskiy, Ilya Kushnirskiy; the curator of the late Russian icon collection of the State Hermitage Museum and Russian iconography specialist, Anna Ivannikova; and the collector and close friend of the collection’s director, Sergey Khodorkovsky. The sociologist and cultural critic Alek D. Epstein, Ph.D., provided a video recording of his speech, followed by his editor, Alexander Tar.

The speakers noted the exceptional contribution of the catalog to the field of research of Russian religious art. Oleg Kushnirskiy’s collection represents an important part of Russian cultural heritage that is often overlooked by historians and collectors. The icons featured in the book provide valuable insight into the aesthetic preferences of the affluent class in 17th – 19th century Russia. The outstanding quality of the visual component of the publication was mentioned as one of its significant merits.

The participants of the event also highlighted the admirable dedication of Oleg Kushnirskiy who built the present icon collection after he immigrated to the United States and had to leave his previous collection in Russia. They also commended the passion with which the Kushnirskiy family worked toward the preservation and popularization of Russian cultural heritage.

The presentation of the Russian icon catalog took place in the academic hall of the Museum of Fine Arts in Veliky Novgorod, one of the oldest cultural centers of Russia. The Museum of Fine Arts is part of the Novgorod Museum-Reserve, an institution dedicated to preserving Russian history, culture, and art. The Museum-Reserve has several facilities on its vast territory, including historical monuments, churches, and museums. The fact that the book presentation took place in one of the biggest historical centers of Russian culture made the event especially memorable.

About Russian Icon Collection

Founded by Oleg Kushnirskiy, Russian Icon Collection is one of the leading online galleries of antique Russian icons. It represents the most accurate compilation of all the knowledge and expertise gained from many years of collecting and selling rare and famous religious icons of museum quality. Initially created to preserve this sacred form of art and to display the true masterpieces of Eastern Orthodox iconography, Russian Icon Collection has become a reliable place where everyone can enjoy and sell authentic antique icons and religious artifacts.