The question concerns two marble owls that are at the feet of two sculptures in the Summer Garden. Their images are shown in the attached photographs. Question:

NEXT TO WHAT SCULPTURES ARE THESE CUTE BIRDS LOCATED?

As Irina Tsvetkova wrote in her reply: “Two goddesses in the Summer Garden are friends” with owls. “

The owl in the first photo is at the feet of the “Night” sculpture. The owl in this case acts as a symbol of the night and a constant companion of darkness. The sculpture of the night was created by the Italian sculptor Giovanni Bonazza in 1717. Together with other sculptures from the “Cycle of the Day” series, it decorated the roof of the Summer Garden grotto in the 18th century.

The second owl sits at the feet of the sculpture “Minerva”, made in 1690 by the Flemish sculptor Thomas Quellinus. Here, the owl symbolizes the wisdom of the goddess and her justice.

Enjoy your walks in the gardens of the Russian Museum.

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