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6: Courtyard
Vasilyevsky Island 1714 Alexei Zubov Burin engraving This engraving by the noted artist Alexei Zubov was devoted to the triumphant return of Russia's sailors after the victory at Hangö-Udd (Gangut) in 1714. Menshikov took charge of organizing the reception. Depicted in the foreground are Russian galleys coming up the Neva escorting the Swedish vessels and frigate Elephant that were captured at Hangö-Udd. The engraving has captured the original appearance of the palace created under the direction of the Italian architect Giovanni Fontana. A triumphal arch has been erected in front of the palace and on the bank we can see spectators and saluting cannons. In the depths of the picture we have a panoramic view of Menshikov's estate. On the rights we can see the "Ambassadorial Chambers" (1704-10). Closer to the river is the wattle-and-daub Church of the Resurrection with a tall bell-tower and chimes (1714). Alongside the church is the two-storey house of the Prince's manager of estate. The garden on Menshikov's estate was laid out in 1710 in the regular Dutch style on an area of over 12 hectares. The trees (lime, chestnut, beech, elm, cedar, hornbeam) were specially brought by sea from abroad. More than 60 gardeners laboured in Menshikov's garden under the Dutchman Jan Eck. Numerous statues and fountains gave the garden grandeur and charm. Fish were kept in four elaborately shaped ponds and there were also orangeries. |
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