Art in St Petrsburg
 

While reading some of the St Petersburg threads I recall one person talking about the art that was purchased there. Does anyone else have any comments about art work - is it traditional, modern, etc.

I think you could find works in any style.

We purchased 3 lithographs. The first is like the park scenes by Harold Altman and the second reminiscent of Andre Brasilier (Lou Peigne Sous La Neige as an example). The third is more an Expressionist approach to the Peter and Paul Fortress.

Very interesting and serious art gallery is Matissclub (www.matissclub.com). Any kind of painting and graphics. Custom's documents provided. Many Jewish artists.
It's located in the House of Old woman-pawnbroker from "Crime and punishment" of F.Dostoevsky.

For one thing, you'll be able to purchase high quality reproductions of most of the glorious collection at the Hermitage (the Impressionists, Michelangelo...). For many reasons, most of the "masterpieces" are not included even in any of those coffee table books.

There are outdoor galleries all about during the nice weather, with gorgeous watercolors/pastels starting at just a few dollars (sold to you by the artist...) and beautiful oils/acrylics starting at a few dollars more; and more indoor galleries than you will find time to visit. We found an incredible display of offerings near the Church on Spilled Blood. The quality souvenir shops/boutiques also have magnificent original art for sale at very reasonable prices. You can purchase art in the shops framed, or not (even if it is presented in a frame, or you can request a different frame, though they are framed quite beautifully). Don't worry about getting it home...at the airport bubble wrap, corrugated wrapping, cartons, huge plastic bags with handles, etc., are available just inside the entrance for nominal prices. And (on Lufthansa, anyway) you can cart as much of it as you like home with you on the plane.

There is all sorts of art work all about. Much of it is "scenic" or "historical", but much is also along the lines of impressionism and modern, even eclectic.

Once there, you will see for yourself. As always, you are the best judge what will continue to make your heart leap once you get it home.

Be advised that those lacquer boxes are true works of "art". It's best to do your homework ahead of time so as to be able to recognize those which are authentic. Some depict history, some traditional fairy tails, some scenery/seasons...

"Art" also would include (beyond pictures and paintings) local crafts - produced by local artisans. Again, you really need to do your homework.

I agree with one of the post i read here, that true works of art can be purcheased in SPb at the streets and souvenir shops. I'm from Spetersburg and can advice the very places where it is better to do. Write me mail if u shall need any consultations about art in SPb and not only art. Anything concerning Spetersburg!

I believe I was the one who wrote about purchasing art in St. Petersburg and Moscow. You simply buy it from street artists. They are all over in the tourist locations.

I got two pastels, an etching and 6 water colors. My tastes do not run to bizarre modern art and all that I bought was representational but in many different styles depending on the artist. I am, by the way, no art expert. I simply was stunned by what I saw, started buying and kept buying. I bought what I liked. I have never purchased art like this on a trip before and I am very glad I did.

I already have had 4 of the 9 pictures framed (at, of course, much more than the art cost). I enjoy looking at them and remembering my trip.

By the way the pictures I bought were $15-25 depending on size and whether I bought more than one from a vendor. If you buy more than one, they will always give you a price break. There was a lot of bargaining (true for all "street" purchases in Russia).

The art was so inexpensive that it is not, in my opinion, worth buying souvenir museum posters when you can have the real thing.

When I had a hard time making up my mind between two pictures, I ended up buying them both.

Did I say I loved the art in Russia? And, we are not even talking about the art in The Hermitage. Unfortunately, I could not have afforded any of that even if it had been for sale.