The Theodor Pallady Museum in Bucharest, although not very popular even among Romanian art lovers, is still one of the best in the country's capital, as the variety and richness of it's collection are surprising. The story of this impressive collection begins in the first decades of the last century, when Gheorghe Raut, who was then the director of the Marmorosch Blank Bank in Paris, began to amass an art collection. With a keen eye and the help of several art dealers of his times, Raut put together a valuable art collection, which he would later donate to the Romanian state, at the end of the '60s. Also, as a friend and great admirer of Theodor Pallady, Raut was the one who brought back to Romania the works which were still in the Parisian studio of the artist.
The works of Pallady, together with the previous collection, would form the starting point for a new museum, opened in 1971 in the so-called "Melik House". For the Theodor Pallady Museum is special not only for it's artworks, but also for the house which hosts it.
The Melik House is one of the oldest and most beautiful in Bucharest, having been beuilt in the second hafl of the 18th century. It's name comes from the name of it's most important owner, Iacob Melik. After 1850, Melik was the one who renovated the house, with great care and passion, respecting it's original form and at the same time bringing it up to date.
Visitors of this important Romanian museum have the chance of discovering some of the best works of Theodor Pallady, as well as more than 800 drawings (landscapes, nudes, portraits, interiors), which document the artist's Parisian period. Selections from these vast collection are presented in thematical temporary exhibitions. Besides the works of Theodor Pallady, the Raut collection - comprised of 1270 works - also has several paintings made by French painters (Lubin Baugin, Edmond Aman Jean, Carolus Duran, Camille Corot), Dutch artists (Jan van de Capelle), English ones, as well as Romanian paintings by Paul Verona and Jean Al. Steriadi. Also, one can find several examples of decorative art, ancient Greek and Roman sculpture, Egiptian and Indian works of art, as well as Renaissance sculpture from Italy and France.
Those who visit Bucharest in search of art museums must not miss this little, yet splendid place, on Spatarului Str, No 22, opened from Wednesday to Sunday, 11.00 - 19.00 (May - September) and 10.00 - 18.00 (October - April).
Photo : mnar.arts.ro
2007-11-12
