Sergei Shchukin’s State Museum of New Western Art
Sergei Shchukin was lucky enough to be born into the family owning the I.V. Shchukin and Sons Trading Company, one of the largest trading companies in Russia. Of the prominent Russian merchants investing in art, Sergei was one of the few who invested in foreign art, particularly the French impressionist and post-impressionist styles. His personal art collection added much needed diversity to the pool of art nationalized by Russia.
By 1909 his collection was large and impressive enough to where he was holding Sunday public viewings at his home. By this time, he owned several Picassos, Monets, and Van Goghs. His collection and fascination of Picasso allowed Picasso to continue his work, as much of his art was posthumously lauded. Come 1918, Sergei’s gallery was seized by the government and moved into the State Museum of New Western Art. But in 1948 during Stalin’s era, the museum was disbanded and its contents disseminated among other Russia museums. To this day, Sergei’s collection is considered to be one of the best art investments ever with the works totalling an estimated $8.5 billion.
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