How did Renaissance painting end up in the Hermitage? Why did Leonardo cause confusion at the court of Catherine II? And which Italian paintings were considered the main treasures of the collection? This lecture is an immersion into the art of great masters and unexpected twists in museum history. Leonardo da Vinci, Botticelli, Raphael, Caravaggio - these names are familiar to anyone who has shown even a slight interest in art. But few know how the works of great masters ended up in imperial collections and what role they played in shaping the Hermitage as we know it today. The next meeting in the series "What to See in the Hermitage?" is dedicated to Italian painting. Listeners will learn how masterpieces of the Renaissance made their way to Russia, which paintings were subjects of trade, and which were a matter of chance. The lecturer Anna Stolbova, an art historian and teacher at the Institute of Art History, will delicately and passionately guide the audience through centuries-old stories: how Catherine II acquired works, mistakenly attributing them to one artist, why some works were considered the main jewels of the collection, and which paintings have permanently left the museum's halls over the years. Special attention will be given to the biographies of the artists themselves, their style, fates, and the historical context in which they created their works. The lecture will be suitable not only for art connoisseurs but also for those who want to discover the Hermitage from a new perspective and learn more about Italian painting. The session takes place in the format of an "Intellectual Breakfast" - morning meetings that transform everyday time into a space for reflection, sharing impressions, and getting acquainted with outstanding cultural heritage. Where to go in St. Petersburg today, find on our website.