Monument to Catherine II

Monument to Catherine II in St. Petersburg

Monument to Catherine II is a monument on Ostrovsky Square in St. Petersburg, installed in honor of the Empress in 1873. The idea of erecting a sculptural composition appeared back in the 1860s, which could be timed to coincide with the 100th anniversary of Catherine the Great’s accession to the throne. The author of the project was the artist Mikhail Mikeshin. The monument to Catherine II looks majestic and monumental. The bronze figure of the empress holds a scepter and laurel wreath in her hands, an ermine mantle falls down from her shoulders, the crown of the Russian Empire lies at her feet. The Order of St. Andrew is visible on his chest. The foot of the pedestal with the majestic figure of Catherine II is surrounded by statues of 9 close associates: A. Suvorov, P. A. Rumyantsev, G. R. Derzhavin, I. I. Betsky, E. R. Dashkova, A. G. Orlov, A. A. Bezborodko, G. A. Potemkin, V. Y. Chichagov. On the front facade of the monument there is a bronze plaque decorated with attributes of sciences, arts, agriculture and military affairs. On the book standing among these attributes, the word “law” is written and inscribed: “To Empress Catherine ΙΙΙ in the reign of Emperor Alexander ΙΙΙ of 1873.”