Saint Petersburg (short: SPb, Russian: Санкт-Петербург) is a city of Russia located on the Neva River at the head of the Gulf of Finland on the Baltic Sea. It is informally known as Piter (Пи́тер). SPb is the northernmost city of the world with over one million people. SPb is often described as the most Westeuropean city of Russia. From 1924 to 1991, in honor of Lenin, the founder of the Soviet Union, the city was called Leningrad (Ленинград).
The 6-meter-high bronze monument has only two bases - the hind legs of the horse! The Czar Nicholas is presented in uniform of the cavalry guard. The sculptor emphasizes his tendency to drill barracks, his pride and cruelty. The figures at the base should be faith, wisdom, justice and the wife and the daughter of the Tsar. Large pictures below represent the most significant events of the reign of Czar Nicholas I.
To view this monument in person must be an overwhelming experience. The sculptor was presented with a plan to include an abundance of historical moments in the life of one individual--in one monument. I think he completed his commission far and above anything that could ever be expected. The monuments, sculptures, etc., dedicated to the outstanding individuals throughout all of Europe, are so grand and magnificent. Their beauty far exceeds anything created in today's world. Nowadays, the sculptures/monuments consist of some twisted metal, a slab or two of marble in some weird shape, which do not attract my attention. In essence, I don't like modern art--even though I make every attempt to view and try to appreciate it. One great advantage Europe has--art wise--is you don't have to visit a museum to see art. It's on every street, building, and everywhere you look. I hope this outstanding method of displaying fine art will never go out of style. It would be a great loss to the world.
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