The exhibition features a stunning French oval table supported by four intricately designed legs resembling caryatids, each adorned with garlands that culminate in animal paws. The tabletop is crafted from labradorite stone, elegantly set within a metal frame embellished with a plant motif. The legs are connected by a hoop that ends in a decorative vase. This piece was purchased by Vitaly Zakrutkin in the 1950s at a market in Rostov-on-Don, where he was searching for new books.

Books were the most treasured possessions of the Zakrutkin family. Sadly, during the German occupation in the Great Patriotic War, the writer’s library was destroyed, resulting in the loss of many valuable editions that he cherished, including the complete six-volume works of Pushkin published by Brockhaus and Efron.

Vitaly Zakrutkin spoke of this collection of works, stating,