Ukhtomsky, Andrew G.. Type Kamennoostrovsky Palace from the Greater Neva Hermitage ~ part 12

The engraving presents a view across water towards a substantial neoclassical palace complex. The composition is structured around a central axis leading directly to the buildings facade, which displays a symmetrical arrangement of windows and architectural details. A broad expanse of calm water dominates the foreground, reflecting the sky and the architecture with considerable clarity.
Along the shoreline, on both sides of the waterway, dense foliage establishes a sense of enclosure and cultivated landscape. The trees are rendered with meticulous detail, their branches overlapping to create depth and texture. Several figures populate the scene: individuals engaged in leisurely activities such as skating, rowing, and walking along the bank. A dog is depicted near one of the skaters, adding a touch of domesticity to the overall impression.
The light appears diffused, suggesting an overcast day or perhaps early morning/late afternoon conditions. This contributes to a subdued tonal range throughout the image, emphasizing the architectural form and the reflective qualities of the water. The artist has employed cross-hatching techniques extensively to create shading and volume, particularly in the depiction of the trees and the palace’s stonework.
The presence of heraldic emblems – a crowned double-headed eagle flanked by inscriptions in Cyrillic script – indicates a dedication or official commission, likely intended for an imperial patron. The text suggests a connection to Empress Elizabeth Alekseyevna. This detail implies that the view is not merely a topographical representation but also carries symbolic weight related to power and patronage.
The scene conveys a sense of tranquility and order, characteristic of aristocratic leisure and the idealized landscape favored in eighteenth-century European art. It’s a carefully constructed vision of an estate, intended to project an image of prosperity, refinement, and imperial authority.