Smolny as seen from Bolshaya Okhta 1870

Alexey Bogolyubov painted "Smolny as seen from Bolshaya Okhta" during an era of significant social change in Russia. Here, Bogolyubov offers us a serene view of the Smolny Convent, a beautiful architectural ensemble that served as an educational institution for noble girls. However, the image is more than just a peaceful landscape. In the foreground, a lone woman walks along the riverbank, a figure that invites us to consider the lives of ordinary people within this grand vista of imperial Russia. Bogolyubov, who himself navigated between artistic expression and naval service, captures a society marked by both tradition and transformation. His paintings often evoke a sense of national identity, yet, he also portrays the subtle, everyday realities of Russian life. He once stated that he aimed "to depict Russia as it is," and that he did. This painting reflects the complex interplay between the monumental and the mundane, the privileged and the working class, prompting us to reflect on our own place within such landscapes.