Title of the article:

COLLECTION OF ENGRAVINGS BY D. A. ROVINSKY AND ITS RELEVANCE FOR RUSSIAN CULTURE

Author(s):

Oksana A. Zapeka

Elizaveta O. Stepanova

Information about the author/authors

Oksana A. Zapeka — PhD in Philosophy, Head of the Department of Slavic and cultural studies, A. N. Kosygin Russian State University (Technologies. Design. Art), The Institute of Slavic Сulture, Khibinsky pr., 6, 129337 Moscow, Russia. E-mail: zana5@yandex.ru

Elizaveta O. Stepanova — graduate, A. N. Kosygin Russian State University (Technologies. Design. Art), The Institute of Slavic Сulture, Khibinsky pr., 6, 129337 Moscow, Russia. E-mail: kulalisa@yandex.ru

Section

Theory and history of culture

Year

2020

Volume

Vol. 57

Pages

pp. 52-62

Received

June 20, 2020

Date of publication

September 28, 2020

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.37816/2073-9567-2020-57-52-62

Index UDK

008

Index BBK

71

Abstract

Graphic art lovers emerged as a distinct group among collectors of the second half of the 19^th century. Dmitry Alexandrovich Rovinsky (1824–1895) was the first to address systematic collecting and studying of the graphics in Russia. He began to establish his collection of Russian graphics, engravings and popular prints in the times when collectors were generally highly dismissive of national production of this kind. Rich collections over 88000 of sheets of graphic art came to be the result of collecting activities of D. A. Rovinsky.  According to his will, all his unique collection is accepted for safekeeping in the state museums funds and libraries. By publishing over 40 volumes of research Rovinsky awoke society`s interest towards national art and ethnography. Russian engraving attained global prominence: booksellers and antiquaries in Europe even held special folders with Russian engravings named “Rossica”. Not a single Russian museum had collected engravings, early printed books, wood engravings, lithographies or popular prints before. Even Emperor`s public library had rather poor engravings` collection. Extensive engravings collection of Rovinsky, which has enriched state museums` funds, is unique by its volume, quality and level of exploration. The collector had developed a certain algorithm: to find out about an engraving, to find and purchase it, to study then publish the results obtained. By publishing his findings the collector passed on his priceless experience of systematizing of collection, and the impulse for studying and preserving cultural heritage.

Keywords

Rovinsky, collection, graphic art, engraving, popular prints, lithographic portrait, print, lithography.

References

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