ALBAWABA - Recent news in Russia took social media platforms by storm after Russian artist, critic, and writer, Nina Moleva donated a total of $2 billion to Russia's current president, Vladimir Putin after passing away.
According to Erem News, the individual in question died at 98. Amid her death, she gifted Putin a fortune of artistic pieces that belonged to her husband Ilya Bilotin before passing away. The collection included art pieces from renowned and legendary artists including Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, Diego Velazquez, Titian, Bernardino di Contino, Antonio Rossellino, and more.
Russian artist leaves Vladimir Putin $2 billion
The Moskovsky Komsomolets newspaper reported that the collection is worth more than $2 billion. Moreover, it's stated that Nina donated the entire collection to Putin, 11 years before passing away which was in 2013.
The collection dates back to her husband's grandfather Ivan Grinev who started it all and also worked as an artist in the Imperial Theater. They were later found in 1968 by the couple inside a hidden room located in the grandfather's apartment.
Who is Nina Moleva?
(Photo credit: Nina Moleva Ошибка канцлера Hardcover Russian on eBay by vikshafir)
She's a renowned Russian artist, critic, and writer and was born in Russia's capital Moscow on Dec. 5, 1925. She wrote a total of 120 books about Russian painters, has a doctorate in historical sciences, and is a member of the Union of Writers and the Union of Russian Artists.
Nina passed away on Sunday, Feb. 11, 2024, the Russian Ministry of Culture confirmed.
