The overview of works on the Demidov collections of art

This article contains the overview of works examining the art collections of the Demidov dynasty. Russian and foreign research works are distinguished. The article discusses mostly Russian works. It is also noted that fundamental works are written under the auspices of the International Demidov Foundation (IDF). The overview starts with one of the first comprehensive publications in the Russian language on the subject - a work by Yu.P. Glushakova on the Tuscan life of the Demidovs. The analysis of Glushakova's article gives information about the cultural life of the Demidovs in Italy, about the collecting activity of the members of the dynasty, and allows making an approximate description of the Demidov works of art. This article also discusses the works of E.V. Karpova and T.M. Troshina. The brief analysis of these works allows identifying the artifacts of the Demidov collections and their location. Reports by M.B. Piotrovsky and O.Ya. Neverov at the assemblies of IDF, which concern the author of this article, inform about the Demidov collections in the Hermitage. The analyzed report of N.P. Progozhin shows the connection of one of the Demidovs with the artist Karl Bryullov. The overview of the work of G.I. Konkova shows the connection between the Demidov dynasty and the Museum of the Fine Arts Academy. The works of L.N. Shiyan and E.P. Pirogova outline the connection between P.A. Demidov, the Vyshnevetsky Castle and the collections of the castle. The publications of T.M. Troshina and E.P. Pirogova explore A.N. Demidov's Travel Journal and his connection with the collecting activity. The analysis of works by Yu.Ya. Zek, O.N. Silonova and 0.A. Melchakova given in the article allows expanding the map of the Demidov collections and grouping collection works of art by museums. Works by R. Argenziano, L. Tonini, R. Risaliti are noted among foreign research. The publication of R. Argenziano analyzes the archival documents connected with the collections of N.N. Demidov. The overview of works by L. Tonini and R. Risaliti expands the information on the Tuscan period in Demidov's life. The overview of works leads to a conclusion that the research of the Demidovs' collecting activity is currently relevant in Russia and abroad. From the perspective of the available research, the geography of the Demidov collections and the approximate social circle of the Demidovs-collectors are already designated. Based on the obtained data, it is possible to make an indicative list of museums that have artifacts of the Demidov collections. In addition, the author of this article offers to create an illustrated "map" of the museums with the Demidov collections or individual works from the collections.

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