Nomadic arts in emigration: Russian diaspora, Czechoslovakia, and the broken dream of a borderless Europe (1918–45)

In the this article, we would like to explore the reasons why Nikodim Kondakov decided to come back to the passions of his youth, especially during his period of emigration in Prague. This becomes especially important within the context of the newly born Czechoslovakia, constructed as a supposed nation-state, seeking a new identity. The second part of our essay will be devoted to the impact of Russian emigration more broadly, and the notion of Eurasia in art historical scholarly research in Central Europe between the two wars. Lastly, we would like to explore the interaction between scholarship and emigration within a wider international framework, going beyond the borders of Central Europe.