St. Petersburg in 18th-century graphics (PICS)
Here’s what St. Petersburg looked like hundreds of years ago.
Founded in 1703 by Peter the Great, St. Petersburg has always been one of the most important cities in Russia and, for some time, its political capital and currently bears the unofficial title of its ‘cultural capital’. Thanks to the works of Russian draftsman and engraver Mikhail Makhayev (1718-1770), we have a chance to see how it looked centuries ago.
The Catherine Palace in Tsarskoye Selo
The hunting pavilion in Tsarskoye Selo
Engraving. The plan of St. Petersburg in 1753
Makhayev’s graphic works not only give the viewers an opportunity to see the architecture of the city, but also present a perspective “postcard” look - which was very innovative for his time and created a “presence” effect.
The view of the Nevsky prospekt from the Admiralty Triumphal Gates to the east.
The view of the Exchange and Gostiny Dvor up the Malaya Neva
The drawings by Makhayev are not only remarkable on their own accord for their accuracy and picturesqueness, but also because they were used by other artists for large-scale engravings.
The view of state collegiums and the Exchange
The view of the Winter Palace and canal
Today, his works are exhibited in the State Russian Museum, the Hermitage, the Pushkin State Museum of Fine Arts and can even be found in the New York Met’s collection.
