The St. Petersburg Academy of Arts
- One of the world’s great art schools

For three centuries the St Petersburg Academy of Arts has admitted only the most gifted students in the nation, and for three centuries it has graduated alumnae whose work has transcended that of their peers. Many graduates have earned wall-space in museums. A few have achieved the status of national icon and their likeness has been immortalized in bronze or stone.

The roots of this illustrious institution are planted in the 18th century when, after centuries of introspection, Russia’s imperial leadership began to turn outward. They looked west toward the glittering capitals of London and Paris where Royal dynasties lived in lavish palaces and held opulent court attended by the most sophisticated beau monde of the age. They vied with each other to attract the brightest, most gifted and talented from all walks of life. Musicians, writers, artists and artisans flocked to the two capitals seeking patronage, eager to add their contribution to what was become known in the west as The Age of Elegance.

Russia’s enlightened 18th century tsars and prestigiously wealthy aristocracy sought first to emulate their western counterparts and then to surpass them, believing that international cultural patronage was the hallmark of a world-class power. Their legacy is opulent palaces, richly endowed museums and priceless objects of art that to this day continue to set a spectacular world standard.

Peter the Great began this renaissance in impressive style — by announcing a new site for the nation’s capital. Out was the centuries-old capital of Moscow, and in was a new city-to-be on the edge of the Baltic Sea. The swampy site, plagued by mosquitoes in the summer and frozen stiff in winter was none too popular with the court. But to ensure they obeyed, the 21-year old Tsar decreed those that didn’t build palaces there would be expelled. Furthermore, he insisted they build in the prevailing western European style he so admired. The result was a brand new city of impressive palaces, awe-inspiring churches and imposing administrative buildings built around a network of picturesque canals, broad boulevards, and leafy parks and squares that was to become known as St. Petersburg, the Venice of the North.

Unfortunately, a painful illness in 1725 ended Peter’s life prematurely at aged 43. It interrupted the full realization of his ideas, which included the foundation of an Academy of Fine Arts. That dream wasn’t realized until 1758. But shortly thereafter it took off in spectacular fashion.

Among the graduating class of 1762 were several of Russia’s most distinguished masters-to-be who attracted the attention of an important sponsor, one who was to become one of the greatest champions and collectors of art in the world. In 1764, the recently crowned Empress Catherine became patron of what she renamed the Imperial Academy of Arts.

Today the school is known formally as the Ilya Repin St. Petersburg Academic Institute for Painting, Sculpture and Architecture; but to most it is known simply as the St. Petersburg Academy of Arts. It is the largest art school in Russia with 700 full-time and 500 external students, and 160 professors and lecturers.

With roots that can be traced back more than 250 years, the Academy is an historic entity that has remained true to one ideal: to graduate some of the most talented artists in the nation. As French artists have flocked to Paris and Italians have been drawn to Florence, Russian artists travel to St. Petersburg from all corners of their vast country seeking fellowship and inspiration from the locale and the illustrious cultural tradition of its past.

This season we are proud to present the work of five “Stars of the Tsars”, four of whom are alumnae of the St. Petersburg Academy of Arts. They rank among the most gifted Russian artists of their generation.

Roger Weatherburn Baker -
Weatherburn Gallery - Naples, Florida
Featuring Art by: David Dunlop, David Hettinger, OPAM, Andrei Krioutchenko, Timothy Norman, OPA, Blake Ward, and more.