Russian Art

In many ways, including artistic ones, Russia appears forever on the brink of revolution. This program examines Russian visual art as it progressed—or regressed, depending on one’s opinion—during the 20th century. Host Andrew Graham-Dixon roots out portraits of Stalin stashed in museum storerooms, notes the transformation of the Moscow Metro into a public art gallery, and visits a stunning creation of postwar Communist rule: the Monument to the Conquerors of Space. He also looks at examples of Russian art today, from sculptures in liquid oil and the insides of a giant erotic apple to heroic sculptures of Vladimir Putin and a re-creation of the imperial family facing the firing squad.

Inseparably linked to all of the most important historical and political events in Russia since the 13th century, the Kremlin, built between the 14th and 17th centuries by outstanding Russian and foreign architects, was the residence of the Great Prince and a religious center. At the foot of its ramparts, on Red Square, the Saint Basil Basilica is one of the most beautiful monuments of Russian Orthodox art.

The State Tretyakov Gallery is Russia's leading art museum and boasts a huge collection of famous paintings. Many of its artworks are known around the world, while others are more obscure, so let’s take a look at five iconic paintings that you may not be familiar with.