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One of the world-wide known museums is the Hermitage.
The word "Hermitage" means "a place of solitude". This name
was given in the XVIII century by Catherine П to her private
museum housed in a small building adjacent to the Winter
Palace and accessible only to the chosen few.
In the course of time, the Hermitage grew into one of the
greatest museums of the world. At the present, the collections
take up five interconnected buildings. The museum retains its
old name.
The accumulation of artifacts let to the formation of new
departments devoted to the culture and art of the Peoples of
the East, of the Prehistoric culture, and of the Russian culture.
Three other departments are those of Western European art,
classical antiquities and numismatics.
One of the rooms that impressed visitor the most is St.
George Hall. The interior of the room is considered by experts
to be a perfect example of the Classical Style. The room covers
about 800 square metres, but does not seem enormous due to
perfect proportions. It is decorated in the whitest marble and
gilded bronze.
The Throne Hall was used for column assemblies. Members
of the Tzar's family, when coming of age, took their oaths
here.
The Leonardo da Vinci Hall is one of the most gorgeous
interiors. The hall is decorated in the style of 17 century
French Baroque. The Hermitage possesses two, out of 12 or
14 works surviving from Leonardo.
The Rembrandt collection is one of the most treasured
possessions of the museum. It members 24 canvases.
The Malachite Room reflects the style of 1889. The columns,
pilasters, and floorlamps are veneered with thin plaques of
rich green malachite. About two tons of malachite were used
in decoration of the room.
Questions:
1. What does the word "Hermitage" mean?
2. How many departments are there in the Hermitage?
What are they?
3. The interior of which room is the best example of the
Classical Style?
4. What kinds of material are used for the decoration of
St. George's Hall?
5. Why was the Throne Hall so important?
6. How many works of Leonardo da Vinci does the
Hermitage possess?
7. What is the most treasured possession of the Hermitage?
8. What material was used for the decoration of Malachite
Room
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