Relief of a Saint

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The museum's collection of sculptures is incredibly diverse yet remarkably focused. Its earliest acquisitions were masterful casts of European and antique sculpture from the 12th to 19th centuries, alongside ancient Near Eastern and Russian monumental plastics. This extensive collection comprises over 3,000 carefully preserved items, setting it apart for its completeness and exceptional quality. Replicating antiques played a vital role in the training of young sculptors; replicating "antiques" was an essential requirement for aspiring artists regardless of their qualifications. The sculpture department is home to a remarkable selection of original works from European, antique, and ancient Russian plastics. A fragment of an ancient Greek marble gravestone dating back to the 3rd-4th centuries showcases exceptional craftsmanship. Three exquisite terracotta reliefs from the late 18th century are also part of this impressive collection, alongside a detailed sketch of a model created in 1764 – testaments to the skill of French masters. A notable feature of this collection is its assortment of intricately crafted wooden sculptures adorned with gold and fragments of ornate church interior designs, such as the iconostasis from Simeon and Anna churches in Saint Petersburg and Savior in Sennaya.