Hau Edward Petrovich – Types halls of the New Hermitage. Stair-head Hermitage ~ part 03

The drawing presents a grand interior space, likely a public hall or staircase within a monumental building. The perspective is centered and receding, emphasizing the depth and scale of the room. Here we see a series of massive, dark green columns supporting an elaborately coffered ceiling. These columns dominate the visual field, their verticality reinforcing the sense of height and imposing grandeur.
The walls are light-colored, punctuated by rectangular windows that allow diffused natural light to enter. The floor is patterned with geometric designs in muted tones, adding another layer of complexity to the composition. Along one side, a decorative wrought iron railing runs parallel to the viewer’s line of sight, partially obscuring figures positioned further into the space. These figures appear small and indistinct, suggesting their relative insignificance within this vast architectural setting.
The artist has meticulously rendered details such as the capitals of the columns, the intricate ceiling work, and the ornate railing. The precision in execution conveys a sense of order and control, characteristic of Neoclassical aesthetics. A subtle play of light and shadow enhances the three-dimensionality of the space, creating an illusion of depth and realism.
Beyond the purely descriptive elements, the drawing seems to explore themes of power, authority, and the individuals place within monumental institutions. The sheer size of the hall dwarfs the human figures, suggesting a hierarchical relationship between the building’s structure and those who inhabit it. The formality of the architecture implies a sense of tradition, permanence, and perhaps even an aura of solemnity. The drawing may be interpreted as a visual statement about the importance of public spaces in shaping social identity and reinforcing cultural values.