The Collector

The Collector is a fascinating biography detailing the life of Sergei Shchukin, the great collector who transformed Russia’s art world. Sergei Shchukin was not only a highly successful textiles merchant in the latter half of the nineteenth century, but he also possessed an extraordinary eye for beauty.

Shchukin was one of the first to appreciate the quality of the Impressionists and Post-Impressionists, acquiring masterpieces by artists such as Cézanne, Matisse, and Picasso. As a trailblazer in the Russian art world, Shchukin and his collection elicited shock, provoked conversation, and inspired both awe and ridicule among his contemporaries.

This biography, the first English-language account of Sergei Shchukin, is authored by art historian Natalya Semenova and adapted by Shchukin's grandson, André Delocque. It features personal diary entries, correspondence, interviews, and thorough archival research, bringing to light the story of a man who, until now, has largely remained in the shadows.

Despite the controversy surrounding his reputation, Shchukin opened his remarkable collection to the public, inspiring future generations of artists and leaving a lasting impact on the Russian art scene.