OLGA SHILLER - Peter The Great

The Triumph of Peter The Great, Mural Design for President's Northern Residency and National Congress Palace, St.Petersburg, Russia

This series of artwork is a concept development for the newly remodeled historical palace decoration near Saint Petersburg, created as part of a contest participation. The artwork honors Peter the Great and his profound impact on history for The Palace of Congresses*

The main composition is executed in acrylics on paper, with the potential to be transformed into a large-scale mural using various techniques such as mosaic, tapestry, or wall painting.

The accompanying sketches and preparatory studies, showcased here, will inform the main mural composition on a larger scale.

Additionally, the portraits and still-life elements are rendered in oils on canvas, adding depth and nuance to the overall artwork.

This comprehensive series pays tribute to Peter the Great's enduring legacy, while also showcasing the artist's skill and creativity in bringing this historical figure to life

Peter the Great, one of Russia's most revered leaders, founded the city of Saint Petersburg in 1703. Seeking to modernize Russia and establish a strategic port on the Baltic Sea, Peter envisioned a city that would rival the great capitals of Europe. He oversaw the construction of the city, which was built on a swampy site at the mouth of the Neva River. Despite the challenges and hardships faced by the city's early inhabitants, Saint Petersburg flourished under Peter's guidance, becoming a hub of culture, politics, and trade that would go on to play a pivotal role in Russian history. Today, Saint Petersburg is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the world's most beautiful and historic cities, a testament to Peter's innovative spirit and vision.

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* The Palace of Congresses, situated on the historic 18th-century Strelna palace and park ensemble, began as a grand vision of Peter the Great in 1715. He aimed to create an imperial residence that would surpass Versailles in splendor, engaging renowned European architects like the Rastrellis and Le Blond. While the "Big Stone Strelna Palace" was built and gardens laid out, Peter's ambitious plan remained partially unrealized.

Later, in the late 18th century, Strelna became a cherished residence of the Romanov Grand Dukes, particularly Konstantin Pavlovich and Konstantin Nikolaevich. Contemporaries lauded it as one of the most beautiful imperial country retreats. Beyond its historical significance, the Palace of Congresses now serves as a prominent venue for major international events, including G20 and G8 summits. Since 2003, by presidential decree, it has opened its doors to the public, establishing itself as a key tourist attraction in St. Petersburg.

These oil paintings serve as preliminary studies for a larger mural composition. They capture the essence and aesthetic of Peter the Great's era, focusing on the facial expressions and attire of people from that time. These studies will inform the character designs in the final, large-scale mural artwork.

The accompanying architectural rendering below offers a suggested visualization of how the completed mural might appear in the lobby of a modern building.

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contact: olix.art@gmail.com