V.A. Golombevski. Personal open lecture: "Zubov palace and Institute: Prehistory & background"

On Wednesday, February 17 at 16.00 in White Hall of Russian Institute for Art History V.A. Golombevski will present his personal open lecture: “Zubov palace and Institute: Prehistory & background”. “Every old dwellings contains portion of history. But it is not always possible to identify it, to make this magnetic tape to respond, to experience the aroma of the epoch”- wrote V.P. Zubov in his article” Old dwellings and their inhabitants.” Let us attempt to implement it in relation to his own mansion, which is our Institute with historical roots of those that cannot fail to impress.
Among not quite numerous row of owners of the house, there were Zakrevskies and Zubovs, who owned it longer than others and has had a significant impact on its external and internal appearance.
Zakrevskii Arseniy Andreyevich (1783-1865) now thoroughly forgotten. Caustic nickname “Lunk Pasha” overshadowed the real scale of its activities wich were actualy certainly positive for Russia. The chapters twists and conflicts of his long life truly worthy of a work of art. However, Zubov genus, including those due to historical mythology, more on hearing. Those affairs which has been conceived and carried out by Valentin Platonovich Zubov (1884-1969), – his state approach to issues of science, art, education admired us even today. Such a personalities – were glorious examples of serving to Russia. Whereas A.A. Zakrevski introduce himself as brilliant representative of his time and his grade, V.P. Zubov been presented us as a sort of person from a Russian distant future. He has been known as highly educated and remarkably liberal supporter of humanitarian values, wisdom and justness.
Dozens and hundreds glorious names known to us due to aforementioned persons in the chronicle of the house on St. Isaac’s Square # 5. Some of them we will discuss concerning to the biography of the main owners as well as the house destiny itself according to it.