View of Saint Isaac's Cathedral, Leningrad
Painting on paper • Attributed to a Russian artist, possibly signed 'Leningard' or a related surname; Cyrillic initials appear in the bottom left monogram
Style & Movement
Soviet Impressionism/Realism (Late Soviet Era)
Medium & Technique
Watercolor and potentially gouache or ink on paper; utilizes a combination of washed backgrounds and dry-brush architectural detailing
Creation Period
1989
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 16 x 20 inches; Portrait orientation
Subject Description
A dramatic cityscape featuring Saint Isaac's Cathedral in Saint Petersburg (then Leningrad). The composition uses dark, shadowed foreground buildings in a 'fish-eye' or distorted perspective to frame the luminous golden dome of the cathedral, symbolizing resilience and historical grandeur amidst urban decay.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Good/Very Good; the colors appear stable, though there is minor yellowing of the matting which may indicate non-acid-free materials.
Estimated Market Value
USD $150 - $400
Auction Estimate
USD $100 - $300
Provenance History
Likely acquired in Russia or Eastern Europe during the late 1980s/early 1990s; currently found in a retail or thrift setting based on the yellow price sticker at top right.
Art Historical Significance
Represents the 'Leningrad School' style which often focused on atmospheric, melancholic cityscapes. Created during the Glasnost period, it captures a specific moment in Russian history as the USSR approached its end.
Notable Features
Includes a distinct monogram and date (1989) in the lower-left corner; features a unique 'distorted' architectural perspective characteristic of theatrical set design or expressionistic urban sketching.
Condition Issues
Slight toning to the paper; minor acid burn likely from the mat board; occasional surface scuffing on the frame.
Conservation Recommendations
Re-matting with acid-free, archival museum board and replacing glass with UV-protective acrylic to prevent fading of the watercolor pigments.
Collector Notes
Water color