This work, belonging to the series entitled Views of St Petersburg and Environs published in 1821-26, was created by Karl Beggrow, an acknowledged master of the lithograph, in 1822. This early print, presenting the majestic arch of the General Staff building on Palace Square, brought him great success. The lithograph is distinguished by the refinement of the architectural drawing, the clarity of the light-and-air medium, the living quality of the view and the nobility of the watercolour tinting. The General Staff building, constructed to the design of the talented architect Carlo Rossi in 1819-29, is generally considered a masterpiece of the "Russian Empire" style. A triumphal arch connects the building of the Military Ministry with the building of Ministry of Finance and Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The decoration in the form of the state coat of arms with trophies is one of the earliest sculptural adornments of an arch.