Like many Europeans and Americans, Russians have long succumbed to the spell of salubrious Italian spirit, historic ruins, food, and arts. An exhibition opening at the Tretyakov Gallery on December 9 will demonstrate the fascination the Russians had had for the south of Italy, namely Naples.

      Indeed, for Russian artists there were two centres of attraction: Rome and Naples. Out of many Russian painters it may only be Nikolai Gay who commemorated the Western Coast, especially Livorno, in his works. The rest travelled to either Rome, the cradle of the Old World, or the sun-filled Naples. Venice has always been a must-see touristy place, even for a 19th c. traveller.

      The exhibition follows the watercolours, sketches, and oil paintings by K. and A. Bryullovs, S. Schedrin, O. Kiprensky, and others. It runs at the Tretyakov Gallery until March 11, 2012.

      Source: Afisha.ru