BEIJING.- A presentation of the Masterpieces of Russian Art. Golden Map of Russia Album has taken place in Beijing at the official residence of the Ambassador of the Russian Federation to China. The Album was first published by the State Tretyakov Picture Gallery in partnership with the Fatherland's Treasures museum-supporting Foundation and with Gazprom's financial backing.

Attending the ceremony were Sergey Ushakov, Deputy Chairman of the Gazprom Management Committee, Igor Morgulov, Russian Minister-Counsellor in China, Marina Elzesser, Deputy Director General of the State Tretyakov Picture Gallery, culture workers.

"Masterpieces of Russian Art. Golden Map of Russia Album” first published in Chinese will be donated to the largest galleries, museums, art schools and libraries of the Chinese People's Republic. The wide audience of China will see a little-known side of the Russian fine arts enhancing idea expansion of Chinese art admirers for Russian masterpieces and will become an important stage of developing the integrated cultural and historical area for Russia and China," said Sergey Ushakov.

"Despite the official end of the Year of Russia in China on November 9, the Year's events are being held with the great success. The presentation of Masterpieces of Russian Art. Golden Map of Russia Album provides vivid confirmation," specified Igor Morgulov.

The Masterpieces of Russian Art. Golden Map of Russia Album is part of the sweeping Golden Map of Russia exhibition and publishing project by the Tretyakov Picture Gallery, awarded with the RF State Prize in 2003. The album is unparalleled among domestic and foreign arts editions and is unique for its collection of some 400 best works of the Russian fine arts and sculpture accumulated by the State Tretyakov Gallery and leading arts museums from 25 Russian regions. A range of images saw their first publication in the album.

The album was first presented in Moscow and at the Frankfurt Book Fair in November 2004, being a big success and receiving a positive appraisal from Russian and foreign press agencies.

Additionally, the album was showcased in Berlin, Leipzig, Vienna, Prague and Paris with the participation of Gazprom as well as Verbundnetz Gas AG, Wintershall AG, Gaz de France, RWE Transgas and OMV Gas GmbH. The Album's presentations were also held in London, Jerusalem and Riga.

The presentation in Beijing was organized by Gazprom in participation with the Russian Embassy in China, Gazprom’s Representative Office in China, the Fatherland's Treasures museum-supporting Foundation and the State Tretyakov Picture Gallery.