Biography

Ludmila A. Budrina (PhD, Ural Federal University) is head of the Decorative Arts Department of Ekaterinburg Museum of Fine Arts and an associate professor of modern art history at Ural Federal University.  Her research focuses on the history of Russian stone cutting in the 19th century, the exchange of knowledge between Russian artists and their European colleagues, diffusion of the Russian stone object via the international exhibitions and diplomatic gifts, influence of Russian client order to diffusion of malachite. Her articles on this subject (primarily in Russian) are devoted to the attribution and analysis of museum pieces. As a curator, she organize some exhibition dedicated to the presentation of different aspect of stone-cutting and decorative arts.

Project Summary

The project is concerned with the influence of Florentine’s pietra dura tradition on Russian stone cutting in the different periods of the development of this branch of decorative art. The Europeanization of the Russian aristocracy in the second half of 18th century inspired an important demand for the stone-curved pieces both to complement existing collections of early objects, and for decoration produced by local stone outlets. The main source of inspiration became 16th-17th century Italy. This project is dedicated the study of the three main influences on the technical and stylistic development of Russian stone cutting art of 19th century: Russian collectors and artists in Italy as well as the exchanges brought about by World’s Exhibitions.