The Chronicler, Vrubel’s Majolica, and a Touch of Soviet Nude: How to Discover Hidden Treasures

The Chronicler, Vrubel’s Majolica, and a Touch of Soviet Nude: How to Discover Hidden Treasures

In 2022, the Kyiv Art Gallery marked its centennial – a celebration thwarted by a full-scale invasion from Russia. Due to this crisis, the museum had to conceal and evacuate a majority of its exhibits. However, these treasures weren’t left forgotten. As part of the ‘Digital Kyiv’ initiative, we digitized six pearls – sculptures by eminent artists from the museum’s collection. These artworks, which would have been hidden from visitors for an extended period, are now presented in an online exhibition along with a video for display in the museum.

What did we digitize?

Within the Picture Gallery, you’ll find unique nude sculptures by Soviet artists Oleksandr Deineka, Yulia Ukader, and Serhiy Konyonkov. The sculptural depictions of Nestor the chronicler and Spinoza by Marko Antokolskyi. Notably, the crown jewel of the collection is Mykhailo Vrubel’s majolica “Lion’s Head.” We’ve created 3D replicas of these sculptures, making them accessible at any time and from any corner of the world through the online exhibition.

Why is this important?

For over 300 years, Ukraine’s vibrant and original culture has endured the impact of an aggressor state. During a full-scale invasion, this impact is particularly poignant, as museums cannot function at full capacity. Collections face not only the risk of being forgotten but also the threat of physical destruction due to daily shelling by Russia in our cities. We were the first to assist museums in preserving their exhibits in a digital format and promoting their collections during this extensive war.

Take, for instance, Mykhailo Vrubel, whose works grace the gallery’s collection. Though a Russian artist, he spent a significant part of his life in Kyiv. He contributed to the painting of St. Cyril’s Church and St. Volodymyr’s Cathedral, crafted one of his most renowned paintings – ‘The Girl on the Background of a Persian Carpet’ – and commenced the famous ‘Demon’ in Odessa.

While these works are currently hidden, thanks to us, they can be viewed online. Unlike a traditional museum exhibit, our digital format allows you to rotate and explore the artwork from all angles.