Pavel Tretyakov

Lore & Background

Tretyakov began collecting art in 1854 at age 21, purchasing ten canvases by Old Dutch masters. He aimed to create a Russian National Gallery, focusing on contemporary artists, especially members of the Peredvizhniki (Society of Circulating Art Exhibitions). He bought paintings at exhibitions and directly from studios, sometimes acquiring entire series, such as V.V. Vereschagin's 'Turkestan series' in 1874 and his 'Indian series' in 1880. His collection included over 80 studies by Alexander Ivanov and 102 studies by V.D. Polenov. He also commissioned portraits of famous Russians for a 'Russian pantheon' from leading portraitists like N.N. Ge, I.N. Kramskoi, and Ilya Repin.

In 1870–80, Tretyakov began collecting illustrations and in 1890 started collecting icons, which he kept in his study and did not display publicly. His gallery was initially housed in his home in Lavrushenski pereulok, which was repeatedly reconstructed by architect Kaminski. From 1881 the gallery became popular, attracting about 30,000 visitors by 1885. In 1892, he inherited a collection of Western European painting from his brother and placed it in two halls. In August 1892, Tretyakov donated his collection and private residence to Moscow. At that time, the collection included 1,287 paintings and 518 graphic works of the Russian school, 75 paintings and 8 sculptures of the West-European school, 15 sculptures of the Russian school, and a collection of icons. The official opening of the 'Pavel and Sergey Tretyakov City art gallery' took place on 15 August 1893. By 1890, annual visitors reached 150,000. Tretyakov continued to build the collection, donating additional works in 1894, and from 1893 produced its catalogue.

Reader's Guide

Pavel Tretyakov's significance lies in his creation of a comprehensive national art collection that became the foundation of the Tretyakov Gallery, a major cultural institution in Moscow. His methodical acquisition of works by Russian artists, particularly the Peredvizhniki, helped define and preserve the canon of 19th-century Russian art. By donating his collection to the city in 1892, he ensured public access to a museum that rivaled the largest in Russia. His philanthropy extended beyond art: he supported the Moscow School for the Deaf, established grants, and provided financial aid to artists and families of soldiers. His legacy is also commemorated by the minor planet 3925 Tretʹyakov, named after him and his brother. The gallery remains a central repository of Russian art and a testament to his vision of a national gallery.

Did You Know?

• Tretyakov began collecting art at age 21 in 1854, with his first purchase being 10 canvases by Old Dutch masters.
• He acquired V.V. Vereschagin's 'Turkestan series' in 1874, which included 13 paintings and numerous studies.
• In 1892, Tretyakov inherited a collection of Western European painting from his brother Sergei and added it to the gallery.
• A minor planet, 3925 Tretʹyakov, discovered in 1977, is named after Pavel and his brother Sergei.