Gavriil Sergeev. Views of Istanbul 1793–1794 in the Uglich Museum collection

Abstract

Twelve watercolours by the topographer and videographer Gavriil Sergeev from the Uglich Museum were made during his serving in the Extraordinary Embassy of M.I. Kutuzov to Istanbul (1793–1794). Four of them were added to the report card with the marks of intelligence nature. At the same time these watercolours are of remarkable artistic significance. Their role in the development of the Russian landscape is indisputable. The combination of official tasks and the plein air approach set by them with the experience in mastering the academic tradition and passion for everything East make the artist's work an extremely attractive object for the close study.