Imperial Russian Tapestry Masterpieces
Imperial Russian Tapestry Masterpieces.
First Russian tapestry manufacture was founded by Peter I in 1716-1717. Remarkable Russian tapestries look like paintings of old masters. These outstanding examples of Russian applied art are based on the original paintings by European (Rembrandt, Nicolas Lancret, Anthony van Dyck, etc.) and Russian artists. Many copies of Hermitage paintings were specially made for the needs of the manufacture. These large-scale textile items include classical, biblical and genre scenes. Some tapestries were inspired by Russian history. The State Hermitage in St. Petersburg, Russia, has a unique collection of Russian tapestries made in St Petersburg at the tapestry manufacture. On 1 June 1857, the Imperial Tapestry Manufacture was closed by decree of Alexander II. Imperial Russian Tapestry Masterpieces, as outstanding examples of Russian applied art are included in the permanent exhibitions at The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York.
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