RUSSIAN WORKS OF ART.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXV, Issue 20075, 12 October 1928, Page 13

RUSSIAN WORKS OF ART.

PUBLIC SALE ANNOUNCED.

VALUABLE COLLECTIONS.

SOVIET'S PROFESSED SURPLUS.

(Received October 11. 7.58 p.m.)

Times Cable

LONDON, Oct. 10,

The Berlin correspondent of the Times reports that tho sale in Russia of works of art on behalf of tho Soviet trade delegation will bo begun on November 6. In all 447 valuable objects havo been taken from tho Leningrad museums and castles. Tho cataloguo explains that Russia s public collections have been so enriched by the confiscation of private collections that it has become possible to dispose oi the surplus without.appreciably depleting the museums and galleries. The surplus is so numerous that it is impossible to find accommodation even after utilising the late Tsar's Winter Palace.

The objects for salo include priceless tapestries, gold ware, furniture, sculptures and paintings.

The Daily Mail on October 2 published revelations in connection with the Soviet's attempts to obtain money in Britain for so-called concessions. It said : —These indicate a gigantic swindle with the object of establishing industries, which, as in the past, can bo stolen later. On the excuse that the museums in Russia are overcrowded, the Bolsheviks are endeavouring to raise funds by selling in London priceless art treasures. Many of these were stolen from tho palaces of the former Russian Royal Family and the nobility. The treasures offered for sale include sculptures. 18th century French furniture, Deauvais', Gobelin's and Aubusson s tapestries, diamond-covered snuff-boxes and valuable paintings. As London dealers have refused tempting terms, these articles are to be sold by auction in Berlin in November. The Russian paper Izvestia discloses a scheme to lure American tourists to Russia by opening the frontiers, facilitating travel, building de luxe hotels, and selling to Americans home-made " antiques " which cannot be distinguished from genuine ones.