On March 13, 2026, the exhibition “Leskov – A Writer of the Future” opened at the Yasnaya Polyana museum-estate. Presented in the Volkonsky House, the exhibition marks the 195th anniversary of the birth of Nikolai Leskov (February 16, 1831 – March 5, 1895) and is drawn from the collection of the Oryol United State Literary Museum of I. S. Turgenev.
Leo Tolstoy and Leskov met only twice in their lives, yet they were connected through years of correspondence and shared views. Even before their acquaintance, their works reflected similar perspectives on contemporary reality. Leskov frequently expressed admiration for Tolstoy in print, while Tolstoy highly valued Leskov’s later works, especially those close to his own religious worldview. On one occasion, Tolstoy called him “a writer of the future.”
The exhibition invites visitors to explore Leskov’s inner world and creative temperament. It features first editions of his works, including “Essays on the Distilling Industry,” “The Steel Flea,” “At the Edge of the World,” and “The Cathedral Clergy,” as well as photographs and portraits from different periods of his life.
Leskov was also an avid collector; the exhibition displays unusual candlesticks, writing instruments, figurines, and other objects—many of which once stood on his desk in St. Petersburg.
The display also highlights family connections through photographs and personal items, including “The Life of Nikolai Leskov,” written by his son and first biographer, A. N. Leskov. Visitors will also see items related to his great-granddaughter, Tatiana Leskova, a renowned Brazilian ballerina living in Rio de Janeiro, including elements of her stage costumes and performance photographs.
The exhibition is complemented by works of book illustrators of the 20th and 21st centuries, theatrical designers, and landscape artists depicting Oryol and Mtsensk—places closely associated with Leskov’s life.
Leo Tolstoy and Leskov met only twice in their lives, yet they were connected through years of correspondence and shared views. Even before their acquaintance, their works reflected similar perspectives on contemporary reality. Leskov frequently expressed admiration for Tolstoy in print, while Tolstoy highly valued Leskov’s later works, especially those close to his own religious worldview. On one occasion, Tolstoy called him “a writer of the future.”
The exhibition invites visitors to explore Leskov’s inner world and creative temperament. It features first editions of his works, including “Essays on the Distilling Industry,” “The Steel Flea,” “At the Edge of the World,” and “The Cathedral Clergy,” as well as photographs and portraits from different periods of his life.
Leskov was also an avid collector; the exhibition displays unusual candlesticks, writing instruments, figurines, and other objects—many of which once stood on his desk in St. Petersburg.
The display also highlights family connections through photographs and personal items, including “The Life of Nikolai Leskov,” written by his son and first biographer, A. N. Leskov. Visitors will also see items related to his great-granddaughter, Tatiana Leskova, a renowned Brazilian ballerina living in Rio de Janeiro, including elements of her stage costumes and performance photographs.
The exhibition is complemented by works of book illustrators of the 20th and 21st centuries, theatrical designers, and landscape artists depicting Oryol and Mtsensk—places closely associated with Leskov’s life.
Posted : 17 march 2026