Russian Ark Page #3

- We wish you much success.

Sir, why are they badly dressed?

My friends, how could I think...

that you would get along so badly?

I'll tell you one day.

I'm in a strange situation.

Why quarrel with everyone?

If you do, we will never discover

why we are here.

Such clothing kills

a man's creative essence!

Why do you find it necessary

to embrace european culture?

For what reason?

Why borrow also europe's mistakes?

My god! What is all this?

Mother!

Canova!

What an elevated approach to art!

What feel for the material!

How wonderful!

He is a true heir

to the masters of antiquity!

Canova almost married my mother.

Was your mother a sculptress?

Yes. In rome.

In rome?

Your mother, a sculptress...

in this canova collection,

there are even sculptures...

that Tsar Alexander

bought from the wife...

of napoleon?

Yes. It was 1815,

I was at the Congress of Vienna.

What were you doing there?

- I was a diplomat.

- A diplomat?

This collection was the object

of a harsh dispute.

Look where we are now!

Is this a dream?

Maybe, maybe.

I don't know about you,

but I'm wide awake!

it's amazing how well i speak Russian!

Yes, quite well.

Who was that small man?

Wasn't that pushkin?

- Good day.

- Good day.

Is that your great poet?

Your beloved one?

I read him in French.

Nothing special.

Sir.

My god, how touchy you are!

Pardon me!

I'm sorry if i've offended

your nationalist sympathy.

What is that, nationalist sympathy?

What's that there?

- Please...

- who is that?

Please don't rush.

All alone, without an escort?

It would be wiser

not to talk to that lady.

Don't bother her.

Let's move along.

Excuse me, madam,

have you lost your guide?

Thank you for your concern.

I know everything here.

Of course. Do you work here?

Not at all. I'm here to admire the works

of the old masters.

Would you accompany me

into the next salon?

To see the flemish masters?

With pleasure.

Your slender fingers see all.

- 140 paces, straight ahead.

- 140, is that so?

How many are left?

Watch your step.

- One cannot be so intrusive, I told you.

- It's not the right time for this.

It's all your fault.

- You are compromising me!

- Oh, don't.

How dare you! Quiet!

- We're here.

- Yes.

Can we go closer to that painting?

Would you like me

to tell you about it?

The virgin with partridges

by Van Dyck.

Catherine II acquired it.

Tell me about this painting.

Please, tell me.

See the calm and serenity

around the Madonna and Joseph.

- Joseph, yes.

- God protects them.

There is no doubt

about his unseen presence.

The apple tree represents life.

Sunflowers stand for piety.

On the upper right,

partridges symbolise frivolity.

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