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FRONT AND BACK
The Admiralty dockyard was founded on the left bank of the Neva on November 5, 1704 to the drafts of Peter I. Here military ships were built and the Russian fleet originated. The ships were set afloat with solemn ceremonies: artillery salvos and parade order of the regiments. The dockyard was conceived as a fortress – with earthworks, bastions and a town ditch.Eleven years later, architect I.Korobov reconstructed the central building, crowning it with a tower with gilded spire. The Admiralty building we know is the third to be constructed – it was erected by architect A.Zakharov in 1806-1823. The construction was fully rebuilt by Zakharov in classical style, but tower with spire was kept untouched as a historic relic.Admiralty spire is crowned by a gilded vane in form of a vessel – one of St. Petersburg symbols On the height of 72.5 metres the Admiralty spire is crowned by a gilded vane in form of a vessel – one of St. Petersburg symbols. This is the fourth vessel, produced in 1886. Though the wind vane weights 65 kilograms and is covered with two kilograms of pure gold, it easily revolves around its axis, showing the wind's eye. Idea of Russia's glory as a marine power found its wonderful incarnation in the Admiralty building: unity of architectural and sculptural plans even contributes to this impression. Such eminent Russian sculptors as F.Schedrin, S.Pimenov, I. Terebenev and V.Demut-Malinovsky worked on sculptures and relieves of the Admiralty.The main facade of the Admiralty is 407 metres long The main facade of the Admiralty is 407 metres long, it is decorated with six- and twelve-column porticos. Sculptural dressing of the tower includes "Nymphes, carrying the sphere", placed on both sides of the main arch, and 28 statues symbolizing times of the year, winds and elements, on the upper ground of the tower. Here are sculptural depictions of Isida and Urania- mythological patronesses of shipbuilding and astronomy. Each of the statues is depicted twice; they are accomplished to the models of a famous sculptor F.Schedrin's.Building is decorated by multiple relieves, among them – the "Origination of the Russian fleet" by sculptor I.Terebenev, depicting Peter the Great receiving trident, attribute of power over the sea, from the hands of the Neptune. Statues of Achilles, Alexander of Macedonia and other antic heroes are placed over that bas-relief on the corners of the lower part of the Admiralty tower. The rules of fortification urged that in front of the Admiralty building an open blank surface was left, where later the Palace, the Senate and the Admiralty squares were formed.In 1874 the Alexander garden was opened on the place of the Admiralty square. In 1833 here were placed busts of the famous Russian writers M.Lermontov, V.Zhukovsky, N.Gogol; there is a bust of the composer M.Glinka and a monument of the Central Asia explorer, N.Przhevalsky.
| PUBLISHED DATE | 1884 PARIS |
| ARTIST | AUBREY - DE LA CHARLERIE |
| ENGRAVED BY | PANNEMAKER |
| PUBLISHER | THOMAS DE LAMOTTE SAINTE-MARTIN |
| PAGE SIZE: approx | 14 3/4 INCHES x 10 1/2 INCHES |
| IMAGE SIZE: approx | 9 X 6 1/2 INCHES - 7 X 4 1/2 INCHES |
| CONDITION | LARGE FOLIO INTEXT ENGRAVING with TEXT and engraving on the back . Excellent condition. Heavier paper.Suitable ageing. The image is clean, clear and sharp with beautiful depth and detail.This beautiful rare item would look great matted and framed. An art supply store can provide you with a selection of frames for old art treasures. |
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