“The West will resist”: Safronov spoke about the fate of the collection bequeathed to Putin for 2 billion

Nikas explained why the paintings went to Vladimir Vladimirovich

The death of the 98-year-old widow of avant-garde artist Eliya Belyutin Nina Moleva is still discussed by representatives of culture. The woman became famous because 11 years ago she bequeathed her family collection, which supposedly included unique works of art, to Vladimir Putin. She claimed that she kept brilliant works by Da Vinci, Michelangelo, Velazquez, Rembrandt, Rubens and other outstanding artists. Nikas Safronov explained to MK correspondents why Moleva bequeathed her collection not to the museum, but to Vladimir Putin. He thinks it’s a practical move on her part.

“We have known Nina Mikhailovna for a long time,” says Nikas. – About fifteen years ago she wanted to write an article about me because she liked my work. She was impressed by my classical painting and my symbolism, the fact that I studied the work of the old masters. Even then she talked a lot about her collection. Yes, I had some doubts that Nina Mikhailovna really has so many masterpieces of great masters. It was surprising that she spoke about it so directly and kept them in an ordinary apartment, where there were no all the conditions for the preservation of ancient paintings, as in a museum. This requires special air, humidity, temperature, and so on… Therefore, I don’t think that the paintings are worth two billion dollars, as she claimed, and that all the works are originals. Although, even if one or two paintings belong to the brushes of great artists, this can already be considered a huge success.

Safronov believes that it was no coincidence that Moleva bequeathed the family collection to Putin. It is quite possible that she herself doubted the authenticity of the works. And she understood: if the paintings were handed over to the president, he would definitely determine their value.

“This is a very practical move on her part,” explains the People’s Artist of the Russian Federation. – Nina Mikhailovna understood that the president would not keep the collection for himself, but would transfer it to one of the leading museums in Russia. And there, of course, all the paintings will be carefully checked for authenticity. Everything will be done under strict control, no one will damage or steal the paintings, they will be protected in the best possible way. This is precisely what influenced the will addressed to Vladimir Vladimirovich.

“I think that soon Russia’s leading art critics will get together and collectively make their verdict,” continues Safronov. “But, of course, in the West they are unlikely to agree with the conclusions of our experts, if the original is found here.” They will resist. They always try to prevent new works by famous artists from appearing on the market. Because a previously unknown painting by a famous artist reduces the value of his other paintings, which are among collectors.