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Som en Dröm (1967) 

Arts and Crafts genius Vrubel in Kiev 

KYIV DESTINATION: Metropolitan's House

Mikhail Vrubel was the leading Arts and Crafts Movement/ Pre-Raphelite painter and ceramicist in the Tsarist empire. Like William de Morgan and William Morris he used nature, myth and fantasy as the main drivers for his inspiration and was popular with the bourgeois. A number of Fin de Siecle mansion blocks in Kyiv still have his ceramic tiles. The Russian Museum of Art in Kiev also is the home to some extraordinary etchings and ceramic panther heads. He also painted frescos in St Volodymyr's cathedral.
But one of the largest collections of Vrubel is in the Metropolitan's House http://n.sophiakievska.org/en/news/metropolitans-residence/, under an entire ceiling is covered in a turquoise heaven and gold stars. Restorers have also uncovered some of the 18th Century paintings underneath.
The room includes some of Vrubel's effects (paint brushes etc) and a very dashing bronze of the artist. 
The rest of the building hosts other exhibitions including a permanent display of tiled ovens.
 

 

The Metropolitan's house is shadowed by the 10th Century glory of the cathedral, but is well worth a look.
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