In the publication # GLOSSARY about sculptures, we asked the question: “What antique sculpture was acquired by Peter I to decorate the Summer Garden”?

This is the sculpture “Bathing Venus”. At the moment it is on display in the Hermitage under the name “Venus of Tauride”. It got this name because after the construction of the Tavricheskiy Palace, sculptures adorned its interiors. Subsequently, it was transferred to the Hermitage.

The sculpture was brought to the Summer Garden in 1719 after diplomatic negotiations between Savva Raguzinsky-Vladislavich and representatives of Pope Clement XI. According to legend, the antique sculpture was exchanged for the relics of Saint Brigitte. The statue of Venus was guarded in the gallery of the Summer Garden, which runs along the Neva. Peter I treasured this sculpture very much, although most of his subjects did not like it for their nakedness.

From the memoirs of Friedrich Berchholz: “In the middle gallery there is a marble statue of Venus, which the tsar cherishes so much that he orders to put it to her to guard the sentry. It is indeed excellent, although it is slightly spoiled from a long lying in the ground.”

In 1916, the artist Vasily Kuchumov depicted the moment when the sculpture of Venus was brought to the Summer Palace.

Correctly answered the question: Ekaterina Zhukova, Inna Kucheruk, Tatiana Kuznetsova. Thank you for your answers and participation in the life of the group.

Enjoy your walks in the gardens of the Russian Museum.

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