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It is the first time a Russian painter Ivan Glazunov has been organizing an art exhibition in Italy. Despite a relative youth of his art, Ivan Glazunov’s paintings reflect a centuries-old history of the great Russian art. His artistically done paintings live in harmony with an atmosphere and spirit of olden times and in my opinion his art will definitely provoke strong emotions among spectators.

I am convinced that this outstanding exhibition which is accompanied by music and cultural events will enrich a cultural domain (as it is considerable) of Venice. This art exhibition will also contribute to perception of Russia with which Venice being “a crossroad of world cultures” has always had strong and tight relations.

As a representative of the Administration of Venice province I have a unique honor to support this remarkable exhibition which goes beyond a common commercial sense and praises a painter’s love to beauty.