The Importance of the Position of an Exhibition Organizer at the Association of Artists-Peredvizhniki (on the Example of A.D. Chirkin's Activities in 1872-1881)

Abstract

The article is devoted to the consideration of organizational issues related to the implementation of the mobile form of exhibition activity of the Society for Travelling Art Exhibitions in the first decade of its existence. The special role of the Commissioner for the organization of exhibitions or the organizer of exhibitions in the coordination of these issues is noted. The experience of organizing the First Traveling Exhibition in 1871-1872 showed the need to attract to the Society a person who understands art and is ready to assume the responsibilities associated with exhibiting in the province for a nominal fee. The article presents a description of the main tasks that fell within the scope of activity of the first manager Alexander Dmitrievich Chirkin. The tasks went far beyond the mere support of exhibitions and expanded over time. A.D. Chirkin was an intermediary between the artists of the Society and the public, the success of the Peredvizhniki (The Wanderers) directly depended on his organizational talent and boundless love for art. The conclusion is made that the significance of the personality of the steward in the business of the Society is not appreciated, since it was with the accompanying person in power and the public in the province that the Peredvizhniki were associated.