L'art russe: Ses origines, ses éléments constitutifs, son apogée, son avenir

A sweeping survey of Russian visual culture, this study begins by questioning the long‑standing bias that Russia’s artistic achievements have been eclipsed by Western influence. The author argues that, far from being a chaotic mix of disparate peoples, the nation’s diverse heritage actually fertilised a distinct aesthetic, much as ancient Greece and Egypt did for their own arts. Drawing on a wealth of manuscripts, monuments and early illustrations, the opening chapters map the roots of Russian art from the twelfth century onward, teasing out the foundational motifs and techniques that set it apart.

The narrative then moves through the emergence of a recognizable style, its flourishing during a celebrated golden age, and finally looks ahead to contemporary possibilities. Detailed examinations of architecture, decorative sculpture and painting reveal how historic forms can be re‑imagined for modern use, while the concluding insights suggest a renewed confidence in a national genius long suppressed by imitation. Listeners will come away with a richer appreciation of how Russia’s past continues to shape its artistic future.