Abstract Sculpture: Yellow Blue - Empire State Plaza - Albany, NY

Interesting Places I've Photographed

Yellow Blue

Empire State Plaza

Albany, NY

Topic: Abstract Public Sculptures

GPS: N42° 39.053; W073° 45.598

Short Description:

Yellow Blue is a geometric abstract sculpture located in the west side of the Empire State Plaza, in front of Agency Building #3, in Albany, NY

Long Description:

Yellow Blue is an 9.5' by 16' by 9.5' painted steel sculpture located in the west side of the Empire State Plaza Agency on a grassy strip in front of Agency Building #3. This sculpture by Ellsworth Kelly was created in 1968. It was acquired by then Governor in Nelson A. Rockefeller as part of an extensive modern art collection on display at the New State Capitol complex.

A 16' long by 9.5' high steel rectangle is bent back in the middle at about a 120 degree interior angle and placed on a concrete pad. The viewers left side is painted a bright yellow and the viewers right side is a sky blue.

Abstract Sculpture: The Snake is Out - Empire State Plaza - Albany, NY

Interesting Places I've Photographed

The Snake is Out 

Empire State Plaza

Albany, NY

Topic: Abstract Public Sculptures

N 42° 39.076 W 073° 45.604

Quick Description: 

The Snake is Out is a geometric abstract sculpture located in the west side of the Empire State Plaza, between Agency Buildings #3 and #4, in Albany, NY

Long Description:

The Snake is Out is an 15' by 26' by 18' painted steel sculpture located in a courtyard on the west side of the Empire State Plaza Agency between Agency Buildings #3 and #4. This sculpture by Tony Smith was created in 1969. It was acquired by then Governor in Nelson A. Rockefeller as part of an extensive modern art collection on display at the New State Capitol complex.

The Snake is Out is an abstract zig-zag sculpture, positioned horizontally on a grassy strip in a courtyard next to a path. The sculpture has a horizontal section resting on a concrete pad. The figure rises at a 70 degree angle, levels off and falls back to a second concrete pad. A large trapezoid piece is attached to this downward section.

Kinetic Sculpture: Two Lines Oblique - Empire State Plaza - Albany, NY

Interesting Places I've Photographed

Two Lines Oblique
Empire State Plaza

Albany, NY

Topic: Kinetic Sculptures

GPS: N42° 39.053; W073° 45.571

Video Link

Quick Description: 

Two Lines Oblique is located on the northwest side of the Empire State Plaza in Albany, NY.

Long Description:

Two Lines Oblique follows the familiar form of kinetic sculptures by George Rickey. Two 32' stainless steel blades are mounted on the a 25' high Y shaped stainless steel pedestal. Each blade is attached so that it can rotate independently, in a plane, in the wind.

The sculpture is located next to the central pool that run the length of the Empire State Plaza. The sculpture is dated 1967 - 1971. It was acquired by then Governor in Nelson A. Rockefeller as part of an extensive modern art collection on display at the New State Capitol

A sign next to the sculpture indicated it is photo stop #41 and is inscribed:


GEORGE RICKEY
(1907 - 2002)

TWO LINES
OBLIQUE, 1968-71

Abstract Public Sculpture: Geometric Mouse, Variation I - Empire State Plaza - Albany, NY

Interesting Places I've Photographed

Geometric Mouse, Variation I
Empire State Plaza

Albany, NY

Topic: Abstract Public Sculptures

GPS: N42° 39.094; W073° 45.557

Quick Description: 

Geometric Mouse, Variation I is a geometric abstract sculpture located in the west side of the Empire State Plaza, in front of Agency Building #4, in Albany, NY

Long Description:

Geometric Mouse, Variation I is an 11.5' by 9.75' by 11' steel and aluminum sculpture painted flat black. It is located in the west side of the Empire State Plaza Agency on a grassy strip in front of Agency Building #4. This sculpture by Claes Oldenburg was installed in 1970. It was acquired by then Governor in Nelson A. Rockefeller as part of an extensive modern art collection on display at the New State Capitol complex.

A two large 6' diameter circles are attached to adjacent corners of a rectangle that has two cut-out squares. One circle rests on edge on a concrete pad on the ground. One point of the rectangle is bent back at a 90 degree angle form a second point of contact with a concrete pad. A curved section is attached to the rectangle and curves to form a third point of contact with a concrete pad the ground. On the front a black chain hangs down from the square cut-out. On the back a chain is connected to the lower circle and the square cut-out.

Abstract Public Sculpture: Wild Rice - Albany, NY

Interesting Places I've Photographed

Wild Rice
Empire State Plaza

Albany, NY

Topic: Abstract Public Sculptures

GPS: N42° 39.122; W073° 45.557

Quick Description: 

Wild Rice is a geometric abstract sculpture located in the northwest corner of the Empire State Plaza in Albany, NY

Long Description:

A 22' by 5' by 5' is a yellow and red painted steel geometric abstract sculpture entitled Wild Rice. It is located in the northwest side of the Empire State Plaza between Legislative Office Building and Agency Building #4 in Albany, NY. This sculpture by Lyman Kipp was created in 1967. It was acquired by then Governor in Nelson A. Rockefeller as part of an extensive art collection on display at the New State Capitol complex.

The yellow part of Wild Rice consists of four vertical square beams set at right angles to each other forming an equilateral cross. On to of the cross are red painted beams set horizontally to form a cross that extends over the yellow beams. The sculpture stands in a circular concrete space in the middle of a walkway.

Philatelic Photograph: Catherine Palace - Tsarskoe Selo (Pushkin), Russia

Interesting Places I have Photographed.  

Topics:   Philatelic Photograph,  Baroque Architecture

Catherine Palace - Tsarskoe Selo (Pushkin), Russia.

GPS: N59° 42.953; E030° 23.760

Quick Description: 

The Catherine Palace was the summer residence of the Russian tsars. It is located in the town of Tsarskoe Selo (Pushkin), Russia.

Long Description:
In 1717, Catherine I of Russia constructed a summer palace outside St. Petersburg. In 1752, Empress Elizabeth ordered the court architect, Bartolomeo Rastrelli, to rebuild the palace in the highly ornate Rococo style on a scale to rival Versailles. The new structure, completed in 1756, was 325 meters long and almost 1 km in circumference. It is decorated with 100 kg of gold. Catherine the Great, did not approve of the lavishness and expense of the palace and suspended the further use of gold. The palace was not used by Russian royalty after Catherine the Great died in 1796. It was maintained as a monument to Empresses Elizabeth and Catherine the Great.

During the 900 day siege of Lenningrad (now again St. Petersburg) , during World War II, the palace was occupied by German forces. They destroyed much of the palace before retreating in 1945. Much of the palace was reconstructed in time for the celebration of the tercentenary of St. Petersburg in 2003.

Philatelic Photograph: Alexander Sergeyevich Pushkin Statue - Pushkin (Tsarskoe Selo), Russia

Interesting Places I've Photographed

Alexander Sergeyevich Pushkin Statue

Pushkin (Tsarskoe Selo), Russia
Topic: Philatelic Photographs

GPS: N59° 43.108; E 030° 23.808

Quick Description: 

The statue of Russia's most famous poet is located near Catherine's Palace in the town of Pushkin (Tsarskoe Selo), Russia.

Long Description:

Alexander Sergeyevich Pushkin was born into a Russian noble family in Moscow on June 6, 1799. He graduated from the Imperial Lyceum in Tsarskoye Selo (now the town of Pushkin) located a few kilometers south of St. Petersburg and spent most of his life as a resident of St. Petersburg. Pushkin is considered to be the greatest of all Russian poets and the founder of the modern Russian literature.

Pushkin published his first poem at age fifteen and continued his writing career his entire life. In 1820, he published his first long poem, Ruslan and Lyudmila, which was the basis for the opera by Glinka. His verse novel Eugene Onegin was written between 1825 and 1832. It was the inspiration for Tschaikovsky's famous opera of the same name, first performed in 1879. His play Boris Gudunov was made into two operas by Mussorgsky's, first in 1868 - 1869 and a second version on 1871- 1872. His poem The Bronze Horseman is considered a classic of Russian literature and is well known by every Russian school child.

Pushkin died as a result of wounds received in a duel in St. Petersburg on February 10, 1837 at age 37.

In 2010, Russia issued a stamp showing the statue of Pushkin in his adopted town of Pushkin (Tsarskoe Selo). It is the middle stamp of a souvenir sheet depicting sites in Pushkin (Tsarskoe Selo) issued to celebrate 300th Anniversary of Foundation of Tsarkoe Selo.

Philatelic Photograph, Military Ships: Cruiser Aurora - St. Petersburg, Russia

Interesting Places I've Photographed

Cruiser Aurora

St. Petersburg, Russia

Topics: Philatelic Photograph, Military Ships

GPS: N59° 57.325; E030° 20.270

Quick Description: 

The Cruiser Aurora is moored at the Petrovskaya Quay in St. Petersburg, Russia.

Long Description:

The October Revolution in Russia began with a signal shot from the gun on the forecastle of the Aurora. 

During the First World War the Aurora was operating in Baltic Sea.  At the end of 1916, the ship was moved to present day St. Petersburg for repairs.  The crew of the ship supported the Bolsheviks as the Russian Revolution was brewing.  On October 25, 1917, the Aurora refused to carry out an order to put to sea. Later that day, at 9.45 p.m, a blank shot was fired from her forecastle gun which signaled the start of the assault on the Winter Palace.

The October Revolution successfully overthrew the Russian Provisional Government and power was transferred to the Bolsheviks. They then established the Russian Socialist Federative Soviet Republic and, in 1922,  the Soviet Union. 

In 1956, the Aurora was converted into a museum. It is one of the top attractions in St. Petersburg and has been visited by almost 30 million people.

The stamp was issued by Russia on October 26, 1977 to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the October Revolution.

Bell Towers: Naval Cathedral of St. Nicholas Bell Tower - St. Petersburg, Russia

Interesting Places I've Photographed

Naval Cathedral of St. Nicholas Bell Tower

St. Petersburg, Russia

Topic: Bell Towers

GPS: N59° 55.331; E 030° 17.916

Quick Description: 

Naval Cathedral of St. Nicholas Bell Tower is a freestanding structure about 240' west of the cathedral and overlooking the Kryukov Canal.

Long Description:

The Naval Cathedral of St. Nicholas Bell Tower is a Baroque structure which matches the nearby Russian Orthodox cathedral. It is located near Kryukov Canal in the Admiralty area of St. Petersburg.

Naval Cathedral of St. Nicholas is known locally as the Sailors' Cathedral. The area was originally settled by sailors and the church was used by them during the reign of Peter the Great.

Construction of this cathedral and bell tower was commissioned in 1753, by Empress Elizabeth, who was very fond of Baroque architecture. Admiralty architect Savva Chevinskiy was chosen to designed and build the cathedral. The ground where the is built was raised by six feet to protect the building from floods. The cathedral was consecrated in 1760 and officially became a naval cathedral in July 1762 by order of Catherine II.

The four storey bell tower is painted blue and white to match the church and has a golden Baroque spire which rises above the surrounding canal. The tower has a door at the ground level two openings for bells, on the second and third storeys. The second storey contains a single large church bell. The third storey appears to have about 5 smaller bells.

St. Nicholas Cathedral is one of a very few cathedrals in the city that was not closed during the Soviet era. Many, especially our local guides, consider the church and bell tower to be the most beautiful in St. Petersburg.

Address of Tower:Naval Cathedral of St. Nicholas Nikol'skaya Ploshchad St. Petersburg, Russia Operational: yes

Baroque Architecture: Naval Cathedral of St. Nicholas - St. Petersburg, Russia

Interesting Places I've Visited

Naval Cathedral of St. Nicholas

St. Petersburg, Russia

Topic: Baroque Architecture

N 59° 55.338 E 030° 17.964

Quick Description: 

The Naval Cathedral of St. Nicholas is a Baroque Russian Orthodox cathedral located on Nikol'skaya Ploshchad near the intersetion of the Kryukov and Griboedov Canals in the Admiralty area of St. Petersburg.

Long Description:

Naval Cathedral of St. Nicholas is known locally as the Sailors' Cathedral. The area was originally settled by sailors and the church was used by them during the reign of Peter the Great.

Construction of this cathedral was commissioned in 1753, by Empress Elizabeth, who was very fond of Baroque architecture. Admiralty architect Savva Chevinskiy was chosen to designed and build the cathedral. The ground where the is built was raised by six feet to protect the building from floods. The cathedral was consecrated in 1760 and officially became a naval cathedral in July 1762 by order of Catherine II.

The cathedral is painted blue and white and famous for for its golden Baroque spires and domes which rise above the surrounding canals. Separated from the main structure is a beautiful bell tower which overlooks Kryukov Canal.

Many, especially our local guides, consider this to be the most beautiful church in St. Petersburg.

Style: Baroque Type of building (structure): Large religious building Date of origin:: 1753 Architect(s): Savva Chevinskiy Address: Nikol'skaya Ploshchad near Kryukov and Griboedov Canals St. Petersburg, Russia

Philatelic Photograph: Academy of Arts - St. Petersburg, Russia

Interesting Places I've Photographed

Academy of Arts

St. Petersburg, Russia

Topic: Philatelic Photographs

GPS: N59° 56.236; E030° 17.435

Quick Description: 

The Academy of Arts is located on the University Embankment opposite University Quay on the Neva River in St. Petersburg, Russia.

Long Description:

The Academy of Arts was originally called the Imperial Academy of Arts by Catherine the Great. It was founded in 1757 by Ivan Shuvalov and housed in the Shuvalov Palace. A new Neoclassical building for the Academy was commissioned by Catherine the Great, designed by Alexander Kokorinov, and completed 1789.

The purpose of the Academy was to train artists and to promoted the neoclassical style of art. After the 1918 Russian Revolution, the institution was abolished and later reestablished in Moscow. The building on the Neva River in St. Petersburg is currently called Ilya Repin St. Petersburg State Academic Institute for Painting, Sculpture and Architecture. It's named in honor the painter and sculptor who was an alumnus of the Academy.

The stamp was issued by Russia in 1957. It features three great Russian artists, K.P. Bryulov, the aforementioned Ilya Repin, and V.I. Surikov. Below is the center portion of the Neoclassical façade of the Academy of Arts building.

Sphinx Sculptures: University Quay Sphinxes - St. Petersburg, Russia

Interesting Places I've Photographed

Sphinxes

University Quay

St. Petersburg, Russia

Topic: Sphinx Sculptures

GPS: N59° 56.218; E030° 17.441

Quick Description: 

A pair of Egyptian sphinxes are locate at the University Quay on the Neva River in Saint Petersburg, Russia

Long Description:

A pair of 23 ton sphinxes that once stood in the Alley of Sphinxes in front of the tomb of Pharaoh Amenhotep III in Egypt. They now reside along the embankment of the Neva River at University Quay in St. Petersburg, Russia. They were discovered during archeological excavations in the 1820's.

The sculptures are carved from syenite, a type of granite, and are about 3,500 years old. Both France and Russia were interested in purchasing the sphinxes. France was able to complete the deal faster. Russia acquired them from France in 1832. The granite pedestals and piers on which the sphinxes rest were designed by architect Konstantin Ton. Since the sphinxes are exposed to harsh winter conditions, they have been restored several times, most recently in 2003.

Philatelic Photograph: Peter I Monument - St. Petersburg, Russia

Interesting Places I've Photographed

Peter I Monument

(The Bronze Horseman) 

St. Petersburg, Russia

Topic: Philatelic Photographs

GPS: N59° 56.185; E030° 18.110

Quick Description: 

The Monument to Peter I is commonly called the Bronze Horseman is located in Senate Square southwest of the Admiralty and near the Neva River.

Long Description:

The monument to Peter I (Peter The Great) is one of the iconic symbols of St. Petersburg. The statue was commissioned by Catherine II (Catherine The Great). The equestrian statue was created by French sculptor Étienne Maurice Falconet and cast by Emelyan Khailov. It took 12 years, from 1770 to 1782, to complete the work.

A 6 meter high (20 feet) statue depicts Peter I sitting on his rearing horse which is trampling a large snake. His right arm is outstretched and pointing towards the Neva River. The horse and rider are positioned atop a huge, 7 meters (23 feet) high, rock monolith suggestive of the edge of a cliff face. The stone is ofter referred to as the largest stone ever moved by man. It is calculated that the granite stone weighs 1,500,000 kilograms (1500 metric tons).

The monument was the subject of the a narrative poem written by Aleksandr Pushkin in 1833 entitled the Bronze Horseman. The poem is considered to be a masterpiece of Russian literature. Because of the popularity of the poem the monument is commonly referred to as the Bronze Horseman.

The monument to Peter I appears on numerous Russian stamps. This stamp was issued by Russia in 1947 to commemorate the 5th anniversary of the end of the German blockade and the liberation of Leningrad during World War II.

Historic Figures: Nikolay Mikhaylovich Przhevalsky - St. Petersburg, Russia

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Nikolay Mikhaylovich Przhevalsky Monument

St. Petersburg, Russia

Topic: Historic Figures

GPS: N59° 56.163; E030° 18.453

Quick Description: 

A statue of explorer, geographer, and naturalist Nikolay Mikhaylovich Przhevalsky is located in the Alexander Garden in St. Petersburg, Russia.

Long Description:

Nikolay Mikhaylovich Przhevalsky was born on April 12, 1839 in Smolensk, Russia. He studied at the St. Petersburg Military Academy. In 1864, He taught geography at the military school in Warsaw.

His first expedition was in 1867 to Irkutsk in Siberia to explore the Ussuri River basin. He subsequently published a diary of the expedition entitled Travels in the Ussuri Region, 1867-69. He made four additional journeys to Central Asia. From 1870 to 1873 he crossed the Gobi Desert to Peking (Beijing), explored the upper Yangtze River, entered Tibet. Along the way collected and brought back 5,000 plants, 1,000 birds, 3,000 insects, 70 reptiles, and the skins of 130 mammals. From 1876 to 1877 he traveling through Eastern Turkestan to Lake Lop Nor. From 1879 to 1880 he travelled to Tibet and to within 160 miles of his goal Llasa, whereupon he was turned back by Tibetian officials. From 1883 to 1885 he explored from Gobi Desert to and the eastern Tian Shan mountains, reaching the Yangzi River.

He died of typhus on November 1, 1888.

The monument to Nikolay Mikhaylovich Przhevalsky in the Alexander Gardens was sculpted by Ivan Shreder and installed in 1892. At the top of a granite base, representing a cliff face, is a larger than life bust depicting a moustached Przhevalsky from the mid-chest up. He is looking straight ahead. His hair is worn straight back and he is wearing a double breasted uniform with a medal on the right side and high collar. Braids are wrapped over his right shoulder. An inscription on the granite base is written in Cyrillic and identifies the subject buy last name.

At the base of the pedestal is a life-size bronze sculpture of a Bactrian camel, his mode of transportation on his expeditions. The double-humped camel is sitting on all four legs while wearing a camel blanket and a large packed bag.

Przhevalsky's uncanny resemblance to Josef Stalin has generated the urban legend that his is the father of Stalin. However, there is no record that Nikolay Przhevalsky ever traveled to Georgia, Stalin's birthplace.

Philatelic Photograph: St. Isaac's Cathedral - St. Petersburg, Russia

Interesting Places I've Photographed

St. Isaac's Cathedral

St. Petersburg, Russia

Topic: Philatelic Photographs

GPS: N59° 56.013; E030° 18.415

Quick Description: 

Saint Isaac's Church is located on the north end of St. Isaac's Square in St. Petersburg, Russia.

Long Description:

The present Neo-classical style Russian-Orthodox cathedral was commissioned by Czar Alexander I. Construction began in 1818 under the direction August de Montferrand and was complete 40 years later in 1858. The Cathedral features a Greek cross ground plan covered by a massive gilded central dome which is covered with 220 pounds of gold.

The exterior is composed of gray and pink granite with a total of 72 Corinthian columns weighing between 64 and 114 tons each. The central dome is 333' high and decorated with twelve statues of angels by sculptor Josef Hermann. The dome is the fourth largest church dome in the world.

During the Communist era the cathedral was converted to a museum. With the collapse of the Soviet Union, church services have resumed in the Cathedral but the structure is still primarily functions as a museum.

The stamp was issued by Russia in 2002 as part of a five stamp set to commemorate the 300th anniversary of the founding of St. Petersburg.

Equestrian Statues: Nicholas I Monument, St. Petersburg, Russia

Interesting Places I've Photographed

Nicholas I Monument

St. Petersburg, Russia

Topic: Equestrian Statues

GPS: N59° 55.920; E030° 18.512

Quick Description: 

The monument to Nicolas I is located at St. Isaac's Square (Isaakievskaya Square) in front of St. Isaac's Cathedral in St. Petersburg, Russia

Long Description:

The monument to the Russian ruler Nicholas I on St. Isaac's Square was built by renowned Russian architect August Monferrane between 1856 and 1859. it is located just southeast of St. Isaac's Cathedral which was also built by Monferrane.

Nicholas I was the ruler of Russia from 1825 to 1855. He famously crushing the liberal Decembrist revolt and was responsible for the expansion of Russian territory at the expense of neighboring countries.

Nicholas I is shown high up on a baroque base made of red Finnish granite with Italian white marble at the top. He strikes a powerful pose while mounted on a horse dressed in military regalia. Nicholas I has both feet in the stirrups while his horse is rearing with both feet off the ground.

Several different sculptures were used in creating this huge monument. The model of the horse on which Nicholas I sits was completed by the Russian classical sculptor Peter Klodt. N. Ramazanov and R. Zaleman sculpted the model of the monument's pedestal. Zaleman also sculpted the four allegorical female figures, and ornaments on the pedestal and bas-relief showing the historic and significant events during the rule of Nicholas I.

Peter Klodt completed the casting of the statue and two bas-reliefs in the Liteinoy artist's studio of the Academy of Arts. The remaining bronze parts were cast at a local foundry.

McDonald's: Bolshaya Morskaya, St. Petersburg, Russia

Interesting Places I've Photographed

Bolshaya Morskaya McDonald's

St. Petersburg, Russia

Topic: McDonald's

GPS: N59° 56.115; E030° 18.982

Quick Description:

One of two McDonald's restaurants in the Admiralty section of Saint Petersburg, Russia

Long Description:

You may not be able to transliterate the Cyrillic script but there is no doubt about the identity of this McDonald's restaurant at St. Petersburg, Russia and that is open 24 hours.

A familiar sight when you are a long way from home. This McDonald's is located in a beautiful former palace building from the Soviet era in the Admiralty section of St. Petersburg. The menu is in Russian, but the large pictures next to the words assure that you are getting your Big Mac fix and restroom stop on your way to or from visiting the must see attractions in the Alexander Garden.

Freestanding Column: Alexander Column - St. Petersburg, Russia

Interesting Places I've Photographed

Alexander Column

St. Petersburg, Russia

Topic: Freestanding Columns

Alexander Column

Palace Square

GPS: N59° 56.351; E030° 18.936

Quick Description: 

The Alexander Column is located in the center of Palace Square in St. Petersburg. Russia.

Long Description:

The Alexander Column was designed by architects Auguste de Montferrand and Antonio Adamini. Construction began in 1830 and the monument was unveiled on August 24, 1834. The column is named in honor of Czar Alexander I of Russia, who was the reigning monarch during the Napoleonic Wars when Napoleon's advance into Russia was repulsed by the Russian army.

The monument is 155.75' high and is the tallest freestanding column in the world. The red granite shaft of the monument is 83.5' high and about 11.5' in diameter. It is constructed from a single piece of granite that was quarried in Finland and moved 62 miles to St. Petersburg by barge. Weighing 600 tons, it is the fifth heaviest monolith ever moved using only manpower. The column is balanced on a pedestal that has four bronze bas-relief sculptures created by Giovanni Battista Scotti depicting military figures and symbols.

At the top of the column, and facing the Winter Palace, stands an angel sculpted by Boris Orlovsky. The angel has its wings outspread and its right arm and hand outstretched pointing to the sky. The angel's left hand is supporting the lower part of a large cross. A serpent coils itself around the base of the cross.

Statue of Historic Figure: Barclay de Tolly - St. Petersburg, Russia

Interesting Places I've Photographed

Michael Andreas Barclay de Tolly

St. Petersburg, Russia

Topic: Statue of Historic Figure 

GPS: N59° 56.119; E030° 19.453

Quick Description: 

The statue of Prince Michael Andreas Barclay de Tolly is on the west side of the Kazan Cathedral in St. Petersburg, Russia

Long Description:

Prince Michael Andreas Barclay de Tolly was the Russian Field Marshall and Minister of War during Napoleon's invasion in 1812 and during the War of the Sixth Coalition: Russia, Austria and Prussia against the French Empire.

Barclay de Tolly was of Scottish ancestry, was born on December 27, 1761 in present day Lithuania, and raised in present day Estonia. Both countries were, at that time, part of the Russian Empire. He entered the Russian army and distinguished himself in the Russo-Turkish War of 1788 – 1789. He subsequently saw service against the Swedes and the Poles and reached the rank of major General in 1794.

In 1806 he participated in the Battle of Pultusk in Poland against the advancing forces of Napoleon during Napoleon's Wars. The following year he was wounded in the inconclusive Battle of Eylau in East Prussia after which he was promoted to the rank of lieutenant-general.

Barclay recuperated from his wounds and returned to the army in 1808 to command operations against the Swedes during the Finnish War. His daring march over the frozen Gulf of Bothnia, enabled his army to surprize and defeat the Swedes. As a result he became a Full General, Governor-General of Finland, and Minister of War.

When Napoleon invaded Russia in 1812, Barclay took command of the 1st Army of the West, the major Russian force opposing Napoleon. It was he who devised the scorched earth strategy of retreating and leaving nothing behind that could be useful to the enemy. Napoleon advanced deeper and deeper into Russia, over extending his supply lines, and was trapped by a severe Russian winter on the outskirts of Moscow. After the French retreated from Russia, Barclay's tactics made him a folk hero.

Barclay went on to take part in the invasion of France in 1814 and commanded the taking of Paris. He was then promoted to the rank of a Field Marshal and in 1815 was given the title of Prince. He retired and died on May 26, 1818.

The stamp was issued by Russia as part of a set of five stamps in 2002 commemorating the 300th anniversary of the founding of St. Petersburg.

Philatelic Photograph, Lion Sculptures: Mikhaylovsky Palace Lions - St. Petersburg, Russia

Interesting Places I've Photographed

Russian Museum (Mikhaylovsky Palace) Lions

St. Petersburg, Russia

Topics: Philatelic Photo; Lion Sculptures

GPS: N59° 56.302; E030° 19.923

Quick Description: 

A pair of marble Medici inspired lions stand in front of the Mikhaylovsky Palace now the Russian Museum in St. Petersburg

Long Description:

The State Russian Museum houses the largest collection of Russian fine art in St Petersburg. The museum was established on April 13, 1895, upon enthronement of Nicholas II to commemorate his father, Alexander III. The main building of the museum is the Mikhailovsky Palace, the former neo-Classical residence of Grand Duke Michael Pavlovich, erected in 1819-25 to a design by Carlo Rossi. In front of the palace a pair of marble lions guard the main entrance. 

The lions are inspired by the famous lions of the Medici family displayed at the Loggia dei Lanzi in Florence. The stand facing each other on opposite sides of a staircase each resting a front paw on a spherical object.

Physical Address: 

State Russian Museum

4, Inzhenernaya Ulitsa

St. Petersburg, Russia

Philatelic Photograph: Alexander Sergeyevich Pushkin - St. Petersburg, Russia

Interesting Places I've Photographed

Alexander Sergeyevich Pushkin Statue

St. Petersburg, Russia

Topic: Philatelic Photographs

GPS: N59° 56.232; E030° 19.902

Quick Description: 

The statue of Russia's most famous poet stands in front of the Mikhaylovsky Palace now the Russian Museum in St. Petersburg.

Long Description:

Alexander Sergeyevich Pushkin was born into a Russian noble family in Moscow on June 6, 1799. He graduated from the Imperial Lyceum in Tsarskoye Selo (now the town of Pushkin) located a few kilometers south of St. Petersburg and spent most of his life as a resident of St. Petersburg. Pushkin is considered to be the greatest of all Russian poets and the founder of the modern Russian literature.

Pushkin published his first poem at age fifteen and continued his writing career his entire life. In 1820, he published his first long poem, Ruslan and Lyudmila, which was the basis for the opera by Glinka. His verse novel Eugene Onegin was written between 1825 and 1832. It was the inspiration for Tschaikovsky's famous opera of the same name, first performed in 1879. His play Boris Gudunov was made into two operas by Mussorgsky's, first in 1868 - 1869 and a second version on 1871- 1872. His poem The Bronze Horseman is considered a classic of Russian literature and is well known by every Russian school child.

Pushkin died as a result of wounds received in a duel in St. Petersburg on February 10, 1837 at age 37. In 1959, Russia issued a stamp showing the statue of Pushkin in St. Petersburg as part of a series of six stamps depicting statues of famous Russians.

Philatelic Photograph: The Church of Our Savior on the Spilled Blood - St. Petersburg, Russia

Interesting Places I've Photographed

The Church of Our Savior on the Spilled Blood

St. Petersburg, Russia

Topic: Philatelic Photographs

GPS: N59° 56.395; E030° 19.707

Quick Description: 

The Church of Our Savior on the Spilled Blood is located on the north end of the Griboedov Canal in St. Petersburg.

Long Description:

This famous church in St. Petersburg goes by many names. When first constructed between 1883 and 1907 it was known as the Resurrection of Christ Church. It was built on the spot where Emperor Alexander II was assassinated and therefore on spilled blood. Thus, it became to be called the Church of the Savior on Blood or more commonly the Church on Spilled Blood.

The style of the church was inspired by St Basil's Cathedral on Red Square in Moscow. The onion domes, mosaics and intricately decorated facade are characteristic of 16th to 17th century Russian architecture. Thus, it differs in from most of the buildings of St. Petersburg which follow the western traditions of Neo-Classical and Baroque architecture.

As a result of the Russian Revolution the church was closed for services in the late 1920s and fell into disrepair. In 1970, the St. Isaac's Cathedral began the management and restoration of the church. Work lasted for 27 years, until restoration was complete in August 1997, and the church, once again, re-opened.

The church is one of the top tourists attractions of St. Petersburg, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and a popular spot for taking photographs and acquiring Russian souvenirs.

The official stamp was issued by France in 2003 for use on mail posted from the UNESCO Building in Paris.

Equestrian Statue: Bertrand du Guesclin - Caen, France

Interesting Places I've Photographed

Bertrand du Guesclin Statue

Caen, France

Topic: Equestrian Statues

GPS: N49° 11.030; W000° 22.195

Quick Description: 

An equestrian statue of Bertrand du Guesclin, Constable of France, is located at Place Saint-Martin in Caen, Lower-Normandy, France.

Long Description:

An equestrian statue of Bertrand du Guesclin is located in the middle of a traffic island. This life sized bronze statue created by Arthur J. Le Duc depicts Bertrand du Guesclin riding on a galloping horse. He is wearing a full suit of armor with his visor raised. He is drawing his sword from its scabbard on his left side while he is facing slightly to the right. The horse has both front legs off the ground, his head tilted to the left, and its tail flying straight out behind. The bronze plinth, representing the ground, appears to have a stick across the path of the horse and rider. The statue was created in 1912 and installed in 1922.

The statue rests on a 7' high rectangular granite base. On the front is the inscription:


Le Connetable

Bertrand Du Guesclin
---------
Arthur J. Le Duc
Sculpteur
1848 - 1918
Bertrand du Guesclin was a knight from Brittany and French military commander during the Hundred Years' War. He was born into a minor noble family at Motte-Broons near Dinan, in Brittany about 1320. During the Breton War of Succession (1341–1364), he supported Charles of Blois who, in turn, was supported by the French king.

He was knighted in 1354 after countering a raid by Hugh Calveley on the Castle of Montmuran. Using guerrilla tactics, he successfully defended the City of Rennes against an English siege by Henry of Grosmont. His victory over the army of Jean de Grailly helped the French king Charles secure Burgundy for his brother Philip.

In 1366, Bertrand du Guesclin led an expedition to Spain to help Henry of Trastámara against king Pedro I. In 1369 Bertrand and Henry defeated Pedro I decisively at the Battle of Montiel. Following Pedro I's death at the hands of Henry of Trastámara, Henry obtained the throne of Castille. Bertrand was made Duke of Molina sealing the Franco-Castllian alliance.

Shortly thereafter the war with England was renewed. In 1370, Bertrand Du Guesclin was recalled from Castile and, on October 2nd, was appointed the chief military leader of France with the title Constable of France.

He then defeated an English army led by Robert Knolles at the Battle of Pontvallain. In 1372, the Franco-Castillan fleet destroyed the English fleet at the Battle of La Rochelle and Bertrand du Guesclin organized destructive raids on the English coasts. He pursued the English into Brittany from 1370 to 1374, and defeated again the English army at the Battle of Chizé in 1373. He reconquered much of France from the English before he died of illness at Chateauneuf-de-Randon while on a military expedition in Languedoc in 1380.

Realistic Object Sculpture: Non-Violence Sculpture - Caen, France

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Non-Violence Sculpture

Memorial at Caen

Caen, France

GPS: N49° 11.873; W000° 23.062

Quick Description: 

The Memorial of Caen owns one of the 16 copies of the Non-Violence sculpture placed around the world.

Long Description:

Memorial of Caen began as a military museum to tell the story of World War II. More recently, it has been expanded to include the Cold War and the search for peace. It now considers itself a peace memorial.

On the grounds of the museum there is one of 16 copies of the famous Non-Violence sculpture, also known as The Knotted Gun by Swedish artist Carl Fredrik Reuterswärd. The sculpture depicts an 5' long by 2.5' high Colt Python .357 Magnum revolver with a the barrel knotted and pointing upwards. The sculpture rests on a 1' high bronze plinth which rests on a 4' high by 6' long by 3' wide by rectangular stone base.

On the plinth is inscribed NON-VIOLENCE.

A small plaque on the front of the base is inscribed:

Non-Violence
Knotted Gun

Bronze,
don de l'artiste Carl Fredrik Reuterswärd (gift of the artist Carl Fredrik Reuterswärd) After the death of John Lennon at the hands of Mark David Chapman on December 8, 1980, Yoko Ono asked his grieving friend, the sculptor Carl Fredrik Reuterswärd, to create a tribute to John and his vision and advocacy for a more peaceful and non-violent world as expressed in the lyrics of many of his songs, particularly his 1971 song -

Imagine.

"You may say that I'm a dreamer
But I am not the only one
I hope someday you'll join us
And the world will live as one"

The result was the now famous bronze Non-Violence sculpture. The Non-Violence sculpture has become a worldwide symbol of the non-violence movement. Three originals of this sculpture are located at United Nations Building in New York City, Malmö, Sweden, and Luxembourg. In addition to this one in Caen, 12 others can be found in China, Germany, Switzerland, South Africa and Sweden.

Statue of Religious Figure: Saint Joan of Arc - Rouen, France

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Saint Joan of Arc

Rouen, France

Topic: Statue of Religious Figure

GPS: N49° 26.593; E001° 05.279

Quick Description: 

A statue of Saint Joan of Arc is located on the outside of the L'église Sainte-Jeanne-d'Arc (The Church of Saint Joan of Arc) in Rouen, France

Long Description:

A 6' tall marble statue of nineteen year old Joan of Arc by Maxime Real del Sarte is located outside the Church of Saint Joan of Arc near the execution site of Joan of Arc which is marked by the Joan of Arc Memorial Cross. The statue was created in 1928 and places it its current location when the Church was completed in 1979. The statue was registered as a french historic monument on October 30, 2002.

The Joan of Arc statue is located in a niche outside the west end of the church. The saint is shown wearing long flowing robes. She has her hands clasped in front of her as she looks to up to the heavens with her head tilted towards her left shoulder. She is standing in front of a 2' wide by 1' deep decorated marble slab that represents the stake at which she was burned.

Joan of Arc was born into a peasant family in Domrémy, France about 1412. Beginning at about age 12 she claimed to experience visions directing her to drive the English out of France and pave the way for the coronation of a French king. Claiming to be guided by God, she led the French army to important victories in the Hundred Years' War, which led to Charles VII assuming the throne of France.

She was captured by the Burgundians, and purchased by the English from Duke Philip of Burgundy and put on trial before the Bishop Pierre Cauchon on charges of heresy. At age 19, she was found guilty and burned at the stake in Rouen on May 30, 1431 . Twenty-five years later Pope Callixtus III pronounced her innocent and declared her a martyr. Joan of Arc was beatified in 1909 and canonized in 1920. She is now the one of patron saint of France.

The national monument to Joan of Arc is located at the site of her death in Rouen. During World War II, Rouen was completely devastated. The church of St. Vincent, which stood near the market place was completely destroyed. A new church was build in the market place using the preserved stained glass windows of the destroyed church. L'église Sainte-Jeanne-d'Arc (The Church of Saint Joan of Arc) was designed by architect Louis Arretche and completed in 1979.

The church has a modern design with a curved roof line that is based on an overturned Viking ship and also represent the flames that killed Joan of Arc. On the grounds on the west side of the church is the Joan of Arc Memorial Cross, a 65' high iron Cross of Lorraine that is visible from all directions as it soars above the roof line of the church. The cross was placed on the exact site where archaeological evidence indicates that Joan of Arc was burned at the stake. The cross is the National monument to Joan of Arc.

Napoleon: Église Saint-Roch - Paris, France

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Église Saint-Roch

Paris, France

Topic: Napoleon

GPS: N48° 51.895; E002° 19.926

Quick Description: 

Église Saint-Roch, located on 284 rue Saint-Honoré in the 1st arrondissement of Paris, was the site of a battle between General Napoleon and the Royalist forces.

Long Description:

On October 5, 1795 (13 Vendémiaire An IV) a battle between the French Revolutionary troops and Royalist forces took place on the steps of Église Saint-Roch in of Paris. The battle bolstered General Napoleon Bonaparte's career.

The anti-clerical aspects of the French Revolution created anti-republican sympathies among many many Roman Catholics. Royalist troops began marching on Paris in early October 1795 and many local supporters began to demonstrate in support of the Royalists. On October 4, 1795 (12 vendémiaire) the republican National Guard arrived in the Le Peletier section of Paris in an attempt to put down the Royalist unrest. Rumors began to circulate that the entire Paris National Guard was likely to defect.

General Napoleon Bonaparte became aware of the unrest and mustered a force in defense of the Republic. Napoleon ordered Joachim Murat, a sous-lieutenant in the 21th Regiment de Chasseurs à Cheval, to ride to the plain of Sablons and to return with the 40 cannon which were located there. Murat's squadron retrieved the cannon and Napoleon placing them in position by the Church of Saint Roch.

A preliminary attack by the royalist forces was repulsed. Five hours later, the major Royalist assault began. The Republican forces held their perimeter by using the cannons to fire grapeshot into the massed Royalist forces. Local patriot battalions supported the artillery, and the Royalist forces were defeated. Napoleon commanded throughout the battle and survived unharmed even though his horse was shot from under him. At the close of the battle, around three hundred Royalists were killed.

An historical marker in front of the church is gives the history of the church. The last part has the history of Napoleon's battle with the Royalists. inscribed:

Histoire de Paris
Eglise Saint-Roch
_______________
En 1521 s'élève ici une chapell dite se Saint-Suzanne
ou des Cinq-Plaies. Agrandie en 1577, ell est placée
sous le patronage de saint Roch. Erigée en 1633 en
église paroissiale, Saint-Roch est reconstruite par
Le Mercier, Faute d'argent, le chantier s'éternise
En 1719, le fancier John Law s'y convertit au
catholicisme et fait un don de 100 000 livres qui
permet de terminer la neuf. La façade dessinée
par Robert de Cotte est enfin édifiée, et l'église
consacrée le 10 juillet 1740. Le 5 octobre 1795
(13 Vendémiaire an IV), le général Bonaparte
installe une pièce d'artillerie
dan le cul-de-sac Dauphin
(prolongement de la sud) et
mitraille les insurgés
royalistes massés
sur le marches
de l'église.
English:

History of Paris
Saint-Roch Church
_______________
In 1521 stood here the chapel of Saint-Suzanne
of the five wounds. Enlarged in 1577, it is placed
under the patronage of Saint Roch. Erected in 1633 in
Parish Church, Saint-Roch is rebuilt by
Mercier. Due to a lack of money the construction drags.
In 1719, the financier John Law, a convert to
Catholicism, makes a donation of 100,000 books in order
to finish the new (church). The façade, designed
by Robert de Cotte, and the Church is finally built,
on July 10, 1740. On October 5, 1795
(13 Vendémiaire year IV), General Bonaparte
installs a piece of artillery
In the cul-de-sac Dauphin
(extension of the South) and (fires)
shrapnel at insurgent
royalists massed
on the stairs
of the Church.

Fountains: Fontaine du Palmier - Paris, France

Interesting Places I've Photographed

Fontaine du Palmier

(Palmier Fountain)

Paris, France

Topic:  Fountains

GPS: N 48° 51.443; E002° 20.828

Quick Description:

The Fontaine du Palmier is located in the  Place du Châtelet in Paris, France.

Long Description:

The Fontaine du Palmier was commissioned by Napoleon and constructed by Bralle between 1806 and 1808. The fountain was erected to celebrate the victory of Napoleon in Egypt. A gilder winged figure of Victory tops the column. In each hand she is holding a wreath, the symbol of victory. Four sphinxes at the corners of the monument spout water into the basin below. Rings that encircle the column commemorate Napoleon victories at:  the Siege of Danzig in 1807, the Battle of Ulm in 1805,  the Battle of Marengo in 1800, the Battle of the Pyramids in 1798, and the Battle of Lodi in 1796.

Stained Glass Window: North Rose Window - Cathedral of Notre Dame - Paris, France

Interesting Places I've Photographed

North Rose Window

Cathedral of Notre Dame

Paris, France

Topic: Stained Glass Windows

Central Detail

GPS: N48° 51.193; E02° 21.008

Short Description:

The Cathedral of Notre Dame is located at the east end of the Ile de la Cité in Paris.

Long Description:

The north transept of the Cathedral of Notre Dame contains a large rose window above  18 smaller windows. it was designed and built around. 1250-1260 by architect Jean de Chelles. .Most of the original glass is still intact, The spectrum of colors is achieved by varying both the proportion of metal added to molten glass and the temperature to which the mixture was heated. Impurities in the metals, bubbles in the cooled glass and variations in the thickness of the cut panes give the jewel like appearance of the windows.  In the center of the north rose window is the image of Mary holding the child Jesus. Surrounding them are images of kings and prophets of the Old Testament.