Ukhtomsky, Konstantin Andreevich. Types of rooms in the Winter Palace. Winter Garden. Hermitage ~ part 12

The composition presents a vast interior space dominated by lush vegetation. A complex interplay of light and shadow defines the scene, highlighting the scale and opulence of the environment. The perspective draws the eye upward towards a high, vaulted ceiling constructed from glass panels set within an intricate gridwork of metal. This allows for abundant natural illumination to flood the room, creating a diffused glow that permeates the foliage below.
The architectural elements are substantial; tall arched windows punctuate the walls, revealing glimpses of what appears to be an exterior landscape beyond. Balustrades line the upper level, suggesting a mezzanine or gallery overlooking the garden. Decorative ironwork is prevalent, appearing in the form of railings, ornate benches, and a central fountain structure. The fountain itself features sculpted figures, adding a layer of classical allusion to the scene.
The vegetation is dense and varied, encompassing a wide range of tropical plants – palms, ferns, flowering shrubs – arranged seemingly without rigid order. This creates an impression of controlled wildness, a deliberate attempt to evoke a sense of exoticism within a formal setting. The color palette is predominantly green, with subtle variations in tone and texture that contribute to the depth and richness of the foliage. Hints of yellow and orange are visible in the undergrowth and on the floor, providing visual contrast.
The overall effect conveys an atmosphere of luxurious tranquility and refined leisure. It speaks to a desire for escape – a yearning for nature’s beauty transplanted into a man-made environment. The scale of the space, combined with the abundance of light and vegetation, suggests power, wealth, and a cultivated appreciation for aesthetics. There is a sense of deliberate theatricality; the scene feels staged, designed to impress and evoke wonder in those who might experience it. The presence of human figures is notably absent, which reinforces the feeling that this space exists primarily as an object of contemplation and display.