General M.P. Stepanov and Establishment of Museum of Fine Arts Named after Emperor Alexander III

This study investigates various aspects related to the formation of one of Russia's most important modern museums — the State Museum of Fine Arts named after A.S. Pushkin in Moscow, originally known as the Museum of Fine Arts named after Emperor Alexander III before the Revolution. It specifically examines General M.P. Stepanov’s involvement in creating this museum under the patronage of Grand Duke Sergei Alexandrovich. The research draws on extensive correspondence between key figures such as I.V. Tsvetaev and Y.S. Nekhaev-Maltsev, along with diaries of Grand Duke Sergei Alexandrovich and other archival materials. For the first time, it highlights previously unexplored contributions made by M.P. Stepanov during two distinct periods: from 1897 to 1905 while Grand Duke Sergei was alive, and then again from 1905 until 1912 following his assassination up through the official opening of the museum. This analysis reveals specific characteristics of Stepanov's activities within the Committee responsible for establishing the museum at each stage. Ultimately, it concludes that Stepanov played a pivotal role in ensuring the successful establishment of the institution.

M.P. Stepanov, Museum of Fine Arts, House of Romanov, Grand Duke Sergei Alexandrovich, Grand Duchess Elizabeth Feodorovna, I.V. Tsvetaev