Smolny as seen from Bolshaya Okhta 1852

Alexey Bogolyubov captured Smolny as seen from Bolshaya Okhta, its iconic monastery presiding over the scene. Observe the domes, echoing Byzantine grandeur, yet softened with Baroque curves, these forms speak of both divine aspiration and earthly delight. We find similar cupolas in Venice, symbols of spiritual transcendence. Consider the interplay of light on water—a motif as old as art itself—evoking the transience of life mirrored in the constancy of nature. From the ancient Greeks to the Renaissance masters, water symbolizes purification and rebirth. Here, it reflects the Smolny's architecture, a serene image imbued with a sense of hope. The recurring motif invites reflection on our collective yearning for solace and spiritual renewal.