Leningrad 1960

Sergei Maximilianovich Sternberg created this artwork "Leningrad" using lithography, capturing a serene yet powerful urban landscape. At its heart stands the Alexander Column, crowned by an angel, a motif resonating with triumph and divine protection. The column itself, an ancient symbol of strength and victory, echoes the pillars of Trajan and Marcus Aurelius in Rome. But here, in the misty expanse of Leningrad, its meaning shifts. The angel, a beacon of hope, recalls the Winged Victory of Samothrace, yet embodies a more somber resilience. Observe how the city's architecture, veiled in muted tones, speaks of endurance. The image subtly evokes the collective memory of survival, a psychological echo of a city that has withstood immense hardship. It’s a testament to the cyclical nature of history. The column, once a symbol of imperial power, now embodies the city's unwavering spirit.