The most famous painting in the Pushkin State Museum is Henri Matisse's Goldfish (1911). The next four in this ranking are Pablo Picasso's Portrait of Ambroise Vollard (1910), Henri Matisse's Landscape Viewed from a Window (1913) and Vincent van Gogh's The Red Vineyard [1888] (1888).
Below, the 10 paintings of the Pushkin State Museum that are most widely known — painted from 1876 to 1913 by 7 painters — with their date, medium and size.
The originals
The 10 famous paintings of the Pushkin State Museum our artists study first
The painter, the date, the medium and the dimensions of each original, with a note from its page.
- Goldfish by Henri Matisse, 1911
- Portrait of Ambroise Vollard by Pablo Picasso, 1910
- Landscape Viewed from a Window by Henri Matisse, 1913
- The Red Vineyard [1888] by Vincent van Gogh, 1888
- The Pine Tree at St. Tropez by Paul Signac, 1909
- Sabartes by Pablo Picasso, 1901
- Nude Seated on a Sofa by Pierre-Auguste Renoir, 1876
- Head of a Woman by Pierre-Auguste Renoir, 1913
- Are You Jealous. by Paul Gauguin, 1892
- Mardi Gras by Paul Cézanne, 1888
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Henri Matisse (1869–1954)
1. Goldfish by Henri Matisse, 1911
Pushkin State Museum, Moscow1911Oil on canvas140 × 95 cm
The central focus is a vibrant fishbowl filled with lively red goldfish, surrounded by lush greenery and colorful flowers. "Goldfish" was created during a reflective period in Matisse's career when he explored new spatial configurations and incorporated elements from his travels to Morocco. This piece is part of a series that includes other notable works like "Goldfish and Sculpture" and "Studio with Goldfish," all of which highlight Matisse's unique ability to blend color, form, and emotion.
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Pablo Picasso (1881–1973)
2. Portrait of Ambroise Vollard by Pablo Picasso, 1910
Pushkin State Museum, Moscow1910Oil on canvas92 × 65 cm
Departing radically from traditional artistic conventions, he dissects Vollard’s features into fragmented geometric planes. Ambroise Vollard was instrumental in launching Picasso's career, though their relationship wasn't without its tensions.
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Henri Matisse (1869–1954)
3. Landscape Viewed from a Window by Henri Matisse, 1913
Pushkin State Museum, Moscow1913Oil on canvas115 × 80 cm
The composition is skillfully centered around a deep blue window frame, acting as a stage for two contrasting floral arrangements. The painting also demonstrates Matisse's ongoing refinement of Fauvist principles, pushing the boundaries of color and form. Interestingly, Matisse’s son, Pierre, later became a prominent art dealer in New York, further cementing the family’s legacy within the art world. Art historians also connect Matisse’s frequent use of goldfish (present in other works from this period) to themes of tranquility and peaceful contemplation – a desire to create “a soothing, calming influence on the mind,” as Matisse himself stated.
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![The Red Vineyard [1888] by Vincent van Gogh, 1888, Pushkin State Museum](/media-resize/480/artworks/images-full/c6/21/c62172c2529cd209341f10e02bb059ff.jpg.webp)
Vincent van Gogh (1853–1890)
4. The Red Vineyard [1888] by Vincent van Gogh, 1888
Pushkin State Museum, Moscow1888Oil on canvas75 × 93 cm
This technique, characteristic of Post-Impressionism, prioritizes subjective perception over strict realism – Van Gogh is less interested in accurately representing the vineyard than in capturing its essence. This interest was fueled by his earlier work, The Potato Eaters, which depicted a peasant family sharing a meager meal – a stark contrast to the idealized landscapes favored by many of his contemporaries. Furthermore, Van Gogh’s artistic development during this period was significantly shaped by Japanese woodblock prints (Ukiyo-e). AllPaintingsStore offers meticulously hand-painted reproductions of “The Red Vineyard,” capturing the essence of Van Gogh’s original vision with exceptional detail and fidelity.
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Paul Signac (1863–1935)
5. The Pine Tree at St. Tropez by Paul Signac, 1909
Pushkin State Museum, Moscow1909Oil on canvas92 × 72 cm
Paul Signac's "The Pine Tree at St. Tropez " captures the essence of the French Riviera with its vibrant colors and dynamic brushwork. The painting employs loose, expressive brushstrokes and a vivid palette to convey the beauty of nature. Signac was a key figure in the development of Pointillism and Neo-Impressionism. "The Pine Tree at St. Tropez " reflects Signac's deep connection to the Mediterranean coast, a region that inspired many of his works.
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Pablo Picasso (1881–1973)
6. Sabartes by Pablo Picasso, 1901
Pushkin State Museum, Moscow1901Oil on canvas82 × 66 cm
The artwork depicts a solitary figure seated at a table, holding a glass of absinthe. The composition is balanced with the figure positioned slightly off-center to the right, creating a sense of space on the left side. "Sabartes" showcases Picasso's distinctive Post-Impressionist style, characterized by bold outlines, flat planes of color, and expressive brushstrokes. Whether displayed in a private collection or a public space, this artwork is sure to inspire contemplation and admiration.
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Pierre-Auguste Renoir (1841–1919)
7. Nude Seated on a Sofa by Pierre-Auguste Renoir, 1876
Pushkin State Museum, Moscow1876Oil on canvas92 × 73 cm
At first glance, the composition appears deceptively simple: a woman seated on a sofa, legs crossed, bathed in natural light. “Nude Seated on a Sofa” is firmly rooted in the Impressionist movement, a revolutionary approach to painting that prioritized capturing the fleeting effects of light and color. Like Monet and Pissarro, Renoir sought to depict not what things look like, but how they feel. “Nude Seated on a Sofa” can be seen as part of this broader trend, capturing the beauty and charm of modern urban existence.
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Pierre-Auguste Renoir (1841–1919)
8. Head of a Woman by Pierre-Auguste Renoir, 1913
Pushkin State Museum, Moscow1913Oil on canvas56 × 46 cm
Head of a Woman depicts the head of a woman adorned with a hat featuring an elaborate floral arrangement —primarily white blossoms accented with touches of crimson. For more information on the history of painting and its various movements, visit History Painting Art Movement at AllPaintingsStore.
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Paul Gauguin (1848–1903)
9. Are You Jealous. by Paul Gauguin, 1892
Pushkin State Museum, Moscow1892Oil on canvas66 × 89 cm
One figure lies atop the other, their bodies overlapping to form the central focus of the work. The woman on top wears a lei around her neck, a detail that introduces a specific botanical element to the human subjects. The presence of the chair and the plant suggests a private, domestic space, yet the lack of traditional perspective creates a sense of symbolic depth rather than literal architectural space. This painting belongs to the Post- Impressionist movement, moving away from the fleeting light studies of earlier decades toward a more symbolic representation of emotion.
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Paul Cézanne (1839–1906)
10. Mardi Gras by Paul Cézanne, 1888
Pushkin State Museum, Moscow1888Oil on canvas102 × 81 cm
Mardi Gras, a vibrant oil on canvas painting by Paul Cézanne, is a quintessential example of Post-Impressionism. Created in 1888, it is housed in the esteemed E. This work showcases Cézanne's unique approach to capturing the essence of festive celebrations. This approach influenced avant-garde movements of the early 20th century, including Cubism. Initially met with incomprehension and ridicule, Cézanne's work was later recognized by fellow artists like Camille Pissarro and art dealer Ambroise Vollard.
The collection in figures
The originals of the Pushkin State Museum in our catalogue
315 originals of the Pushkin State Museum — paintings and works on paper — century by century
The originals in figures
- 10 originals, ranked by fame, 7 painters of the originals, Pierre-Auguste Renoir to Henri Matisse.
- Painters with the most originals here: Henri Matisse (2), Pablo Picasso (2), Pierre-Auguste Renoir (2).
- Pierre-Auguste Renoir's Nude Seated on a Sofa (1876) – Henri Matisse's Landscape Viewed from a Window (1913).
- Henri Matisse's Goldfish (1911), 140 × 95 cm – Pierre-Auguste Renoir's Head of a Woman (1913), 56 × 46 cm.
- 315 originals of the Pushkin State Museum in our catalogue: 315 paintings and works on paper by 161 artists, 1440–1931.
The countries the painters of the Pushkin State Museum came from
The painters with the most originals at the Pushkin State Museum
Two museums
The Pushkin State Museum and the Tretyakov Gallery: two collections of originals
The Pushkin State Museum
The Tretyakov Gallery
- Originals in our catalogue
- 722
- Painted between
- 1288 – 1964, most from the 19th century
- Most famous originals
- Composition VII, Black Square, Ivan the Terrible and His Son Ivan on November 16, 1885
- Most originals by
- 일리야 레핀, 이반 시시킨, 콘스탄틴 코로빈
Questions to the studio
Questions about the originals of the Pushkin State Museum
Open a question to read our answer.
What is the most famous painting in the Pushkin State Museum?
No. 1 in the Pushkin State Museum is Henri Matisse's Goldfish (1911). Next come Pablo Picasso's Portrait of Ambroise Vollard (1910), Henri Matisse's Landscape Viewed from a Window (1913) and Vincent van Gogh's The Red Vineyard [1888] (1888).
What are the top 5 most famous paintings in the Pushkin State Museum?
The five best-known paintings of the Pushkin State Museum are Goldfish by Henri Matisse, Portrait of Ambroise Vollard by Pablo Picasso, Landscape Viewed from a Window by Henri Matisse, The Red Vineyard [1888] by Vincent van Gogh and The Pine Tree at St. Tropez by Paul Signac.
Are there any Henri Matisse paintings in the Pushkin State Museum?
2 of the 10 paintings of this ranking are by Henri Matisse: Goldfish (No. 1) and Landscape Viewed from a Window (No. 3). Our catalogue lists 9 records of Matisse's works at the Pushkin State Museum.
How many Pablo Picasso paintings are in the Pushkin State Museum?
2 of the 10 paintings of this ranking are by Pablo Picasso: Portrait of Ambroise Vollard (No. 2) and Sabartes (No. 6). Our catalogue lists 2 records of Picasso's works at the Pushkin State Museum.
Are there any Pierre-Auguste Renoir paintings in the Pushkin State Museum?
2 of the 10 paintings of this ranking are by Pierre-Auguste Renoir: Nude Seated on a Sofa (No. 7) and Head of a Woman (No. 8). Our catalogue lists 9 records of Renoir's works at the Pushkin State Museum.
What are the 10 most famous paintings in the Pushkin State Museum?
The ten best-known paintings of the Pushkin State Museum are Goldfish (Henri Matisse), Portrait of Ambroise Vollard (Pablo Picasso), Landscape Viewed from a Window (Henri Matisse), The Red Vineyard [1888] (Vincent van Gogh), The Pine Tree at St. Tropez (Paul Signac), Sabartes (Pablo Picasso), Nude Seated on a Sofa (Pierre-Auguste Renoir), Head of a Woman (Pierre-Auguste Renoir), Are You Jealous. (Paul Gauguin) and Mardi Gras (Paul Cézanne).
Where can I see the paintings of the Pushkin State Museum?
In Moscow, Russian Federation. The Pushkin State Museum holds 315 works of our catalogue by 161 artists (1440–1931), among them the 10 paintings ranked here.
The Pushkin State Museum or the Tretyakov Gallery: which has the better paintings?
The Pushkin State Museum holds 315 paintings of our catalogue, dated 1440 to 1931 and mostly from the 19th century; the Tretyakov Gallery holds 709, dated 1288 to 1964 — its best-known are Composition VII, Black Square and Ivan the Terrible and His Son Ivan on November 16, 1885.
Which three works is the Pushkin State Museum most famous for?
The highlights of the Pushkin State Museum are the Italian Primitives, the Dutch Masters and the Impressionist art, followed by the Post-Impressionist art and the Byzantine mosaics and icons.
What is the oldest painting in the Pushkin State Museum on this list?
The earliest is Pierre-Auguste Renoir's Nude Seated on a Sofa (1876) (1876); the latest, Henri Matisse's Landscape Viewed from a Window (1913) (1913).
Which of these paintings is the biggest?
The biggest is Henri Matisse's Goldfish (1911) at 140 × 95 cm; the smallest, Pierre-Auguste Renoir's Head of a Woman (1913) at 56 × 46 cm.
How is this ranking made?
The paintings of the Pushkin State Museum in our catalogue are ranked by how widely each one is known: the number of Wikipedia language editions with an article on it (Wikidata sitelinks), its place in our catalogue's manual ranking and the visits its page receives. The same painting catalogued several times counts once; details, copies and studies are left out.
The house of the originals
The Pushkin State Museum in Moscow: history and collections of the originals
The Pushkin State Museum (ГМИИ, Pushkin State Museum of Fine Arts, Pushkin Museum) — museum — in Moscow, Russian Federation. Its collection counts approximately 700,000 artworks. Its highlights: Italian Primitives, Dutch Masters, Impressionist art, Post-Impressionist art, Byzantine mosaics and icons. Our catalogue lists 315 of its paintings and works on paper, by 161 artists, dated 1440 to 1931.
Origins and History of the Museum
The Pushkin State Museum began its existence in 1912. It was established by Professor Ivan Tsvetaev as an arm of Moscow University. At its inception, the institution held a different name, serving as the Alexander III Museum to honor Emperor Alexander III. This early period focused on providing students with access to the history of art through various means, including the study of ancient statuary. The identity of the institution underwent several transformations as the political landscape of the Russian Federation shifted. In 1932, the name was changed to the State Museum of Fine Arts. Later, in 1937, to mark the centenary of the death of Alexander Pushkin, the museum was renamed in his honor.
The Building and its Neoclassical Architecture
Located on Volkhonka street, directly opposite the Cathedral of Christ the Saviour, the structure presents a deliberate presence in the Moscow landscape. Its form resembles a classical temple, characterized by a monumental Ionic colonnade that establishes a sense of order and permanence. The design reflects a specific intent to create a space that feels both ancient and intellectually significant. The construction of this edifice began in 1898 and continued until 1912. While Klein provided the visionary architectural concept, the structural integrity of the building was bolstered by the engineering of Ivan Rerberg. This collaboration between architectural vision and structural genius resulted in a building that functions as a physical extension of the history contained within its walls. The heavy, stone-like quality of the Neoclassical facade provides a quiet, steady backdrop for the art it protects.
Ancient and Classical Art Collections
The museum holds approximately 700,000 artworks, spanning a vast chronology that begins with the artifacts of Ancient Egypt and Greece. These original pieces exist alongside a significant collection of made-to-scale casts and copies of world-renowned masterpieces. Such reproductions allow for a close study of the forms and proportions found in the Greek and Roman traditions. The presence of these casts provides a physical context for the development of classical aesthetics. Beyond the classical era, the holdings include Byzantine mosaics and icons. These works are part of a broader assembly of original paintings, sculptures, drawings, and examples of decorative and applied art. The collection also encompasses archaeological and animalistic objects, which offer a tangible connection to the material life of past civilizations.
Impressionist and Post-Impressionist Art
The collection of French art from the 19th and 20th centuries held here is among the most significant outside of France. The presence of works by Claude Monet, Pierre-Auguste Renoir, and Edgar Degas allows for a direct observation of the movement that redefined visual perception. Beyond the initial Impressionist movement, the holdings extend into the expressive language of Post-Impressionism. The museum contains significant works by Vincent van Gogh and Paul Gauguin, alongside pieces by Henri Matisse and Pablo Picasso. The inclusion of artists such as Dufrénoy further expands the breadth of this era. Standing before these canvases, one senses the evolution of brushwork and the use of color to convey psychological depth and emotion. the Red Vineyard, about 1888 - Vincent Willem Van Gogh Night Cafe in Arles (Madame Ginoux), 1888 - Eugène Henri Paul Gauguin Girls in Black, 1880 - Pierre-Auguste Renoir La Grenouillere, 1869 - Pierre-Auguste Renoir
Major Acquisitions and Restitutions
The foundation of the collection began with a deliberate strategy of acquiring meticulously reproduced Italian Primitives. These early holdings, including works by Giotto di Bondone, Piero della Francesca, and Masaccio, were intended to introduce the revolutionary techniques of the Medieval and Renaissance eras to the local audience. This early commitment established a bedrock for the museum's understanding of European art history. The scope of the holdings expanded significantly following the revolution, when thousands of works were transferred from the Hermitage collections in Saint Petersburg. These acquisitions brought a vast array of Western art into the museum's care. The collection also contains significant archaeological treasures, including gold looted from the ancient city of Troy. Such items arrived in the collection following the Second World War, when the museum became a repository for various works brought from Germany. Recent efforts have focused on the return of artworks previously held in Hermitage collections, ensuring that these pieces remain part of a continuous dialogue between different eras and collections.
Exhibitions and Research
The museum maintains a continuous dialogue between its permanent holdings and the public through landmark exhibitions. These presentations often illuminate the depth of the collection, offering a closer look at the works held within the galleries. Past initiatives, such as the Moscow-Paris exhibition, have highlighted the connections between different artistic traditions and the museum's specific holdings. Beyond the visual arts, the institution functions as a cultural center through the hosting of the Sviatoslav Richter's December Nights musical festival, which brings a different dimension to the museum's atmosphere. Scientific and research activities form the foundation of the museum's institutional life. This scholarly work supports the preservation and understanding of the extensive collection, which spans from ancient civilizations to the modern era. The research efforts extend to the study of the museum's diverse holdings, including archaeological finds and the complex history of how various collections were assembled. This academic rigor ensures that the objects, from Byzantine mosaics to the works of the Impressionists, are understood within their proper historical contexts.
5 facts about the home of the originals
- Who was the founder of the Pushkin State Museum of Fine Arts?Ivan Tsvetaev
- In which city is the Pushkin State Museum located?Moscow
- Which architect designed the museum's building?Roman Klein
- The museum's collection includes one of the largest collections of which art movement outside France?Impressionism
- What was the original name of the museum?Alexander III Museum
The Pushkin State Museum: every original we catalogueThe museums of Moscow
To read
Three articles on the originals and their painters
The painter of the first original
Henri Matisse: 25 Essential Works That Defined Modern Art
2 of the 10 originals are by Henri Matisse.
The other great museum in Moscow
Masterpieces of Russia: Top 25 Must-See Artworks in the Tretyakov Gallery
722 originals in our catalogue.
The painter with the most originals here
Mastering Modernism: The Top 25 Pablo Picasso Artworks Ever Created
2 of the 10 originals are by Henri Matisse.
How the originals are ranked
The originals of the Pushkin State Museum in our catalogue are ranked by fame: the Wikipedia language editions that describe the painting, our studio's ranking and the visits to its page on OriginalUniqueArt.com. One entry per original, counted in our catalogue and not in the museum's inventory, without details, copies, studies, sculptures or works on paper; every date, dimension and medium is the catalogue's, and the notes are drawn from the painting's description.
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