ZAGREB, April 9. /TASS/. The Russian Embassy in Croatia, where Russian diplomats found ten previously considered lost paintings by famous Russian artist Nicholas Roerich two years ago, is working on returning the masterpieces back to Russia, Ambassador to Croatia Anvar Azimov said in an interview with TASS.

"We will possibly resolve the issue of returning the Nicholas Roerich paintings back to Russia by the upcoming visit [to Croatia] of the Russian President. However, it’s not in our full control, specialists will have to thoroughly analyze the issue. The paintings are not being exhibited now. I believe that they would be in much more demand in Russia, therefore, we will make every effort to ultimately bring them back to our country," the diplomat said.

According to him, the Russian embassy is now actively preparing for Putin’s visit to Zagreb. Croatia is proposing to welcome the Russian leader next year.

Azimov said that the Roerich paintings arrived in Zagreb back in 1933 (altogether, the painter sent 24 masterpieces to Yugoslavia, 14 of them were brought to Belgrade and the rest - to Zagreb). "All ten paintings are currently in the custody of the Modern gallery in Croatia and are preserved in rather good condition, the museum conserved and restored them itself. The paintings are currently kept in the gallery’s vaults," the ambassador said.

The main obstacle facing the paintings’ return to Russia is the lack of archive research. "We held talks both with the Croatian Ministry of Culture and with the museum’s representatives. They are willing to discuss the issue constructively, but also express their interest in whether there are any legal documents to prove Russian ownership of these ten paintings," Azimov clarified.

"Unfortunately, the Russian embassy does not possess such documents. However, we believe that the extensive correspondence between Roerich, his staff and the Yugoslav Academy of Sciences dating back to 1930s is in the archives in Belgrade, therefore, I suggested studying the letters preserved there," he added.

From Repin and Aivazovsky to Malevich

Azimov pointed out that Croatia adores Russian art as much as Russian painters do. "The museums and private collections feature paintings by our best masters, from Repin, Aivazovsky and Vereshchagin to Malevich. The explanation is simple, Russian first wave emigrants privately sold these and other paintings. After the 1917 revolution, there were many Russian emigres in Croatia, including rich people, who brought paintings along with them. We have also obtained information that one of the private collectors owns a Malevich," the diplomat said.

"We are witnessing the mutual gravitation of the two countries to culture. I would like to point once again that Croatians are very considerate and tactful of the Russian culture, respectful of our achievements in this sphere. There are great prospects for further reinforcing the cultural ties between our countries," the ambassador concluded.

Nicholas Roerich (1874-1947) was a Russian painter, philosopher, voyageur and public figure and an academician of the Imperial (Russian) Academy of Arts (1909). Over the course of his life, Roerich drew more than 2,000 paintings and studies, many of which are exhibited in the famous galleries all over the world, as well as wrote a number of philosophical and literary works, including poetry.