Hau Edward Petrovich – Types of rooms of the Winter Palace. Church Staircase Hermitage ~ part 03

The drawing presents a monumental interior space dominated by a grand staircase. The perspective is sharply angled, emphasizing the scale and depth of the architecture. Here we see a series of steps ascending towards a source of light high above, creating a sense of verticality and aspiration. The stairs are flanked by walls paneled with wood, likely intended to convey an impression of richness and formality. Decorative elements, including ornate moldings and what appear to be medallions or reliefs in the ceiling, further contribute to this feeling of opulence.
Two figures, uniformed guards, descend the staircase, their presence adding a human element to the otherwise impersonal grandeur of the space. Their posture suggests a ceremonial function; they are not merely traversing the stairs but performing a duty within this impressive setting. The lighting is carefully managed, highlighting certain architectural features while leaving others in shadow, which enhances the dramatic effect and guides the viewers eye upward.
The composition’s structure implies a hierarchical arrangement of space. The staircase itself acts as a symbolic pathway, potentially representing ascent to power or access to privileged areas. The receding perspective creates an illusion of infinite depth, suggesting vastness and perhaps even hinting at the immensity of the institution this space serves. The overall effect is one of controlled formality and restrained grandeur, indicative of a place designed to impress and inspire awe.

The artist’s choice of color palette – primarily warm yellows, creams, and browns – reinforces the sense of warmth and luxury. The meticulous rendering of architectural details suggests an intention to document or celebrate this space with precision and reverence.