"Plexus" of antiquity, Russian modern and exotic East in the interiors of an old merchant mansion on Bolshaya Nikitskaya

Passing the gallery

A photo: Evgeny Luchin

Text: Tatyana Konstantinova

Magazine: Na (58) 2002

It is curious that the legends associated with one or another Moscow building are closely intertwined with each other. So, the last owners of the mansion, where the Greek Embassy is now located, were once Sorokomovsky merchants. It was from this “palace” in the style of Empire style that Elizaveta Pavlovna Sorokoumovskaya was given off as the rich man Morozov. Therefore, when their daughter was about to get married, her parents decided to look after her for something like that. Alas, not found. And the young had to live in a rented house. But in 1903, Serafima Davidovna Krasilshchikova nevertheless chose for herself a new two-storey mansion on Bolshaya Nikitskaya. Architect Gelrich built this house for Baron von Reck, who became rich due to a successful investment in real estate. Actually, he did the same with the house on Bolshaya Nikitskaya, selling it profitably to merchant Krasilshchikova. I read a lot about Russian hospitality. And I would like to receive my guests in the way the merchants Krasilshchikov did ... "Usually during the embassy receptions, the doors of all the living rooms were open. Although the small corner living room is not as elegant as the front hall, it also has its own sights. eye-catching chairs of light mahogany, upholstered in delicate striped silk, as well as massive furniture with a tapestry pattern. Porcelain chandelier brought from Egypt is very suitable. According to Mr. Ambassador, this is a real Arabian antique! There is also a large pictorial canvas by the Italian master Pasetti. The next living room is decorated with a huge crystal chandelier assembled from unusually large pendants in the form of oak and maple leaves. The chandelier is crowned with an unprecedented orb glinting in the rays of light. on the perimeter of stucco, broken into squares. And in the center of each - a large ornamental plaster flower. Some interior items eloquently speak about the passion for music - both former and current inhabitants of the mansion. A striking evidence of this is the "Singing Venus" by the painter of the 18th century. As well as antique bronze watches with well-preserved figures of angels that hold the lyre. From this living room you can go to the hall. And then through the hall to enter the front dining room. It is completely finished with wood, as was fashionable at the beginning of the 20th century: walnut ceiling beams and the same wall panels. Strict wooden forms "support" a large rectangular table that is surrounded by 22 chairs. So Mr. Red A. Shekhat can truly afford merchant hospitality! As for Russian eclecticism, savoryly flavored with oriental "spices", it not only did not lose from this, but became even more expressive ...