July 22, St Petersburg - The Hermitage - Day 2

So much to see in St Petersburg, we covered a lot of sites in 2 days. The Russians like gold, inside and outside.  The State Hermitage was home of the Russian Emperors from 1763-1917 and overlooks the Neva River.  It was founded by Catherine II in 1764 to house her expanding art collection. It is one of the oldest and largest museums in the world. The state Hermitage includes 5 buildings, the Winter Palace, Small Hermitage, Old Hermitage, New Hermitage and Hermitage Theatre where we saw the ballet.  

One section of the Hermitage was not destroyed and it housed many artifacts that are on display. To protect these artifacts the Russians brought in many cats that looked extinguished the mice and rats.

Our pictures give the illusion we are the only people in the Hermitage, not true. Although we had an early entrance before it opened to the public, it was still very crowded. It was crazy chaotic once it opened to the public. Our tour guide suggested to avoid the crowds visit St Petersburg in Nov, Jan or Feb.  Yah right, when there is 4 hours of daylight, it is -30, blowing snow and icey!!! 

Magnificent chandelier 

More gold, a light standard.

Pavilion Hall combines elements of Classical and Moorish styles.

The Pavillion Hall houses the 18 century Peacock Clock. The clockwork figures include, the peacock, a cockerel, an owl, and a squire. The dial is hidden in the aperture in the cap of a mushroom. When the clock is wound up, the tinkling of bells can be heard, after which the peacock spreads it's tail feathers and the cockerel crows. It still works today.

Sculpture done by Leonardo da Vinci. The details are in the back so the front of the statue in meant to face the wall.

The Hermitage most famous pieces are Leonard da Vini's "the Madonna with a flower (the Benois Madona) 1478 , below and The Madonna Litta 1490.  Also 25 originals from Rembrandt, including "The Prodigal Son.

This bowl weighs 20 tons and was a gift to Catherine II

Catherine II request the replica be built of Raphael's Gallery in Rome.