Tretyakov Gallery in Moscow exhibits Vatican art collection from Pinacotheca. The exhibition is on until 19th of February. As it happens in Moscow it is tricky to get tickets – demand is high for major cultural events.

The exhibition left good overall impression, I loved the set up and especially rich burgundy wall colour.

Rather original placing of description – at the raised plinth on the floor, but not smart. It’s impossible to see anything because of the crowd blocking the view. No doubt that without cable on the wall the whole experience is more authentic and paintings look more natural. But it is very difficult to identify who was the artist and what was the painting.

Brochures finished and Audio guide required deposit in form of documents or cash, not everyone carries it around so people missed on opportunity to learn about the exhibition. Combine that with no brochures and description written on the floor and you end up with much less educational exhibition that it could have been.

The exhibition consisted of 42 paintings spread over 3 halls replicating the Vatican halls.

Curatorial work left some questions… When you enter the second hall, Title “RAPHAEL” between two huge artworks. It was silly of me to assume that he title refers to these artworks;  it referred to tiny display. One paintings was Faith and the second one Charity. Both dated 1507.

Donate Creti – the astronomical observations, 1711. The sun. The moon. Mercury. Venus. Mars, Jupiter. Saturn. The comet. Oil on canvas.