Monument to Catherine II
Ostrovsky Square, St. Petersburg
Description:
The monument to Catherine II was erected during the reign of Alexander II, which confirms the inscription on the monument: "Empress Catherine II in the reign of Emperor Alexander II." 1873. The monument was erected by architects Mikeshin and Chizhov.
The pedestal of the monument is made of granite, which was brought from the Karelian Isthmus. The total weight of granite is about 270 kg. The height of the monument is 4.35 m. The pedestal is decorated with figures of Rumyantsev, Potemkin, Suvorov, Betsky, Bezborodko, Dashkova, Orlov and Derzhavin - the most prominent figures of the Catherine era.
The figure of Catherine II holds a laurel wreath and scepter in her hands, an ermine mantle falls from her shoulders, the crown of the Russian Empire lies at her feet, and the order of St. Andrew the First-Called is visible on her chest. The overall appearance of the sculpture indicates the high status of Catherine, but in her eyes there is no severity and arrogance inherent in royal persons.