The Saint Louis University Museum of Art

Relics of a Glorious Past: Imperial Russian Artifacts from the Collection of Dr. James F. Cooper

Press Release

SAINT LOUIS ― The Saint Louis University Museum of Art is pleased to host Relics of a Glorious Past. Imperial Russian Artifacts from the Collection of Doctor James. F. Cooper. The exhibition begins with a reception on Friday, February 27 at 5:30 p.m.
Over 400 items, ranging from the 16th to the early 20th century reflect the splendor of Imperial Russia. Items contained in the exhibition include exquisitely crafted furniture; silver pieces; glass and porcelain figures; medals, and military ceremonial artifacts. All items in the collection offer glimpses into the late Imperial Russian religion, its politics, and the private lives of those who not only collected, but cherished the icons that symbolized their heritage and beliefs.

Characterized by geometric harmony, an emphasis upon simplicity rather than embellishment, and a conscious desire to imitate rather than to create anew, the icons of Russian orthodoxy were treasured as devotional objects both in churches as well as in private homes. The Saint Louis University Museum of Art’s presentation of Cooper’s extensive collection of Russian icons presents to the believer and non-believer alike an opportunity to deliberate upon the sacred mysteries which have so shaped the Russian people since A.D. 988, the date traditionally assigned to the baptism of Vladimir the Great, Grand Prince of Kiev, and the conversion of All the Russias to the Orthodox religion.

The experiences of the Russian people in the 20th century touched the entire world, in religion, in politics, in the experience of war and uneasy peace, in the breathtaking embrace of utopian hope. Just as an icon is meant to draw the believer into a more intimate relationship with the divine, so Relics of a Glorious Past. The James F. Cooper Collection draws the visitor to revisit the last decades of Romanov Empire.

It is a worthy undertaking, for Russia has been and remains glorious.

ABOUT THE COLLECTOR
James Cooper was born in Charleston, Mo. He attended medical school at Baylor College of Medicine, in Houston, Texas. His surgical residency was spent in St. Louis, and upon completion in 1965, Doctor Cooper was drafted into the U.S. Army medical corps at the height of the Viet Nam war. Eight weeks after being drafted, he was assigned 24th Evacuation Hospital, near Saigon.

After serving his tour in Viet Nam in 1967, he was assigned to the surgical department of Fort Leonard Wood Hospital (Fort Leonard Wood, MO) for one year. In 1969 he returned to St. Louis where he was the chief surgeon for the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department, and subsequently, the Teamsters Union. He continued in private practice continued until 2005.

In the late 1980’s, Ladue antique dealer, Jules Pass, along with his assistant, Elena Willow, introduced Doctor Cooper to the art of collecting Russian icons. Intrigued by the simplicity and grandeur of the icons, he remains an avid collector.
Doctor Cooper is currently performing clinical work in Native-American clinics located in the states of Arizona, Oklahoma, and Washington. He continues to be an avid collector of Russian art and icons.