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Sculpture of Peter I holding the young Louis XV in his arms

Nizhnyaya Dor., 13x, Saint Petersburg, Russia, 198516

A few days later, Peter wrote to Catherine: "I inform you that last Monday the local little king paid me a visit... a child quite remarkable in appearance and stature, and for his age fairly sensible, who is seven years old..."
Imperial Parks of Peterhof
photo
Jermaine

At the beginning of 1716, Peter I went abroad. The journey lasted almost two years. The tsar visited several German principalities, Denmark, the Netherlands, and France—the largest European power. Peter arrived in Paris on April 26, 1717. Refusing to stay in the Louvre, he settled in the Arsenal district, in a mansion built at the end of the 16th century for the Dukes of Lédiguier, which at that time belonged to the tutor of the young Louis XV, Marshal of France François de Neufville, Duke of Villeroi (a memorial plaque honoring Peter I’s stay is now installed on the building erected on the site of the Hôtel Lédiguier). The mansion was prepared for the residence of the tsar and his retinue. According to a French journalist, the tsar found the bed prepared for him too luxurious and chose to sleep in the wardrobe, where there was a servant’s bed. The meeting of the Russian tsar with the young Louis XV was scheduled at the Tuileries Palace. The lavish ceremony of this meeting was meticulously planned by the French court. However, the planned ritual could not be followed. Not reaching the palace, Peter saw the royal cortege approaching. He quickly jumped out of the carriage, picked up the king in his arms, and carried him up the stairs into the reception hall. “I carry all of France on myself,” he declared. The royal entourage—ministers and marshals of France—were embarrassed: what if Louis got scared of the unfamiliar giant and started crying? And all the solemnity, already disrupted, would be completely ruined... However, it went well. Louis behaved like a king, with manly dignity. A few days later, Peter wrote to Catherine: “I inform you that last Monday I was visited by the local little king... a child quite well-developed in stature and age, and quite reasonable for his seven years...”

The sculptural group “Peter I with Louis XV in his arms” was cast in Paris in 1899 based on a model by the Russian sculptor Bernshtam and was installed on the eve of the 200th anniversary of St. Petersburg in the square of the Peterhof Grinding Factory. By order of Nicholas II, its bronze casting was installed in 1902 on a pedestal near the Merchant Harbor of Peterhof. In the 1920s, the monument was moved to the site in front of the “Chess Mountain” cascade, from 1936 it was located in the square on Soviet Square of Petrodvorets, and during the war it was destroyed. As for Peter, besides new diplomatic connections and new knowledge about European scientific institutions and industrial enterprises, he took from the journey the conviction that his suburban residence must be adorned with fountains like those in Versailles, since “this is very fitting for the foremost monarchs.”

The installation of the sculpture “Peter I with the young Louis XV in his arms” in Peterhof was timed to coincide with the reciprocal official visit to Russia by the President of France Loubet, which took place from May 7 to 9, 1902. A year earlier, in September 1901, Nicholas II visited France. During the period of intensive establishment of Franco-Russian relations, it was deemed appropriate to remind of Peter I’s trip to France, which took place from April 21 to June 24, 1717, lasting 65 days.

For the 300th anniversary of Peterhof, a decision was made to restore the monument in the “Bacchus Garden” near the Merchant Harbor. The unveiling of the recreated monument took place on September 13, 2005. The explanatory plaque fixed on the pedestal provides information about the author of the original sculpture, the sculptor who recreated the monument, as well as the benefactors whose funds made the modern monument possible. The sculptural group does not have the status of a cultural heritage object.

Sources:

https://peterhof.ru/petr-i-c-maloletnim-lyudovikom-xv

https://petersmonuments.ru/russia/memorials/pamyatnik-pyetr-i-s-maloletnim-lyudovikom-xv-na-rukakh-petergof-s-peterburg/

https://peterburg2.ru/restplaces/skulptura-petr-i-s-maloletnim-lyudovikom-xv-na-rukah-30021.html

photo
Jermaine

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Imperial Parks of Peterhof
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Mezheumny Fountain, Upper Garden

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Imperial Parks of Peterhof
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Imperial Parks of Peterhof
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Museum "Bathhouse Building" in Peterhof

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Imperial Parks of Peterhof
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Imperial Parks of Peterhof
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Imperial Parks of Peterhof
The Lower Park was created based on the model of formal gardens and has preserved all the features of its French originals. Although many decorative elements have disappeared over time, the wonderful architectural harmony of the garden, created by Jean-Baptiste Le Blond, a talented pupil of the creator of the Versailles gardens Lenôtre, has endured. The park is divided into three interconnected parts: the central (Parade), the western (Marlin), and the eastern (Montplezir).
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Imperial Parks of Peterhof
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Imperial Parks of Peterhof
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Imperial Parks of Peterhof
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Imperial Parks of Peterhof
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Monument to Peter I in the Lower Park

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Imperial Parks of Peterhof
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Roman Fountains

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Imperial Parks of Peterhof
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Monplezir Palace

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Imperial Parks of Peterhof
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Catherine (Elizabeth) Building

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Imperial Parks of Peterhof
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Fountain "Sheaf"

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Imperial Parks of Peterhof
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The Large Greenhouse of the Lower Park

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Imperial Parks of Peterhof
The building of the Large Orangery is located on the territory of the Lower Park in Peterhof. It stands between the "Chessboard" and the Grand Cascade and, with its grandeur, is not inferior to the other structures of the palace and park ensemble. But behind the beautiful facade, the engineers hid not just another set of apartments for important guests, but a facility built for practical purposes. The fact is that, according to Peter I’s design, the parks of Peterhof must be adorned with exotic flowers and plants. For this purpose, a greenhouse was required, where all conditions were created for growing seedlings and protecting mature specimens from winter frosts. In summer, exotic plants in tubs and pots decorated the appearance of buildings and fountains, while in winter they survived the bad weather in the artificial conditions of the orangery.
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Enclosures

VWP9+85 Petrodvortsovy District, Saint Petersburg, Russia

Imperial Parks of Peterhof
The center of the eastern part of the Lower Park of Peterhof has become a luxurious "golden cage" for a hundred real songbirds. The royal figures of the Petrine era knew how to live grandly themselves and to pamper their favorites. This is how the aviaries appeared—non-palatial structures created in the style of Versailles. A visitor who comes here might wonder: for whom is this splendor intended, not knowing that an innumerable bird family has made this their permanent residence. In special cages are kept both common, well-known birds and exotic chirpers.
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Labyrinth

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Imperial Parks of Peterhof
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Chinese kindergarten

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Imperial Parks of Peterhof
Miniature in size (only 685 square meters), devoid of dazzling brilliance and grandiose buildings, the Chinese Garden in Peterhof undoubtedly deserves a small separate story. Its elegant landscape design – secluded, protected from sea winds – breathes Eastern wisdom and tranquility.
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Statue of Neptune

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Imperial Parks of Peterhof
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Fountain "Pyramid" ("Pyramidal")

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Imperial Parks of Peterhof
The "Pyramid" ("Pyramidal") Fountain is a fountain in Peterhof. It is located in the Eastern (Monplaisir) part of the Lower Park of Peterhof. Contrary to the ensemble tradition of Peterhof, it is situated separately, away from the ceremonial ensembles, on a separate Pyramid Alley. It is one of the oldest and most beautiful monuments of the Capital of Fountains. As early as August 20, 1725, chamberlain of the Duke of Holstein (father of the future Russian Emperor Peter III), F. Bergholz, wrote: "There is perhaps no other fountain so large and beautiful." The fountain "...forms an interesting pyramid," acknowledged even the less enthusiastic Aubry de La Mottraye (1726).
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Fountain "Sun"

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Imperial Parks of Peterhof
The "Sun" fountain is a complex hydraulic structure and one of the two mechanical fountains of Peterhof. It has an original shape that is not repeated anywhere else.
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Fountain "Triton" or Orangery Fountain

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Imperial Parks of Peterhof
The fountain in the form of an allegory tells the story of Russia's struggle to gain access to the Baltic Sea — about the first major victory of the Russian fleet over the Swedish fleet in the Battle of Gangut on July 27, 1714. The Triton symbolizes the young Russian fleet, while the sea monster represents the fleet of Charles XII. Four turtles, scattering in fear in different directions, remind us of the unfaithful allies of the Swedish king.
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Fountain Gags "Little Sofas"

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Imperial Parks of Peterhof
The "Divanchiki" joke fountains are the oldest of the joke fountains that have survived to our time. The fountains look like typical 18th-century garden benches with lattice seats, painted white. The backs of the benches are decorated with masks of tritons and a tuff rock formation. They are located in the eastern part of the Lower Park of Peterhof, near the Monplaisir Palace.
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Fountain joke "Dubok"

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Imperial Parks of Peterhof
The prank fountain "Dubok" is one of the prank fountains of the Peterhof Palace and Park Ensemble. It is located in the Lower Park near the Montplaisir Alley. The prank fountain was created in 1735, and its surface was originally covered with gold paint. The branched six-meter hollow tree trunk made of tin tubes was externally covered with lead, which imitated bark.
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Fountain joke "Christmas Trees"

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Imperial Parks of Peterhof
The "Little Fir Trees" joke is a group of three small metal trees that spray water, located in one of the clumps near the Orangery. The original fountain was created in 1784 by craftsmen Keyzer and Strelnikov. The Little Fir Trees are situated in a clearing south of the Oak Grove and consist of three metal trees, which are very difficult to distinguish from real fir trees. When the elegantly dressed guests passed by, suddenly the water jets would douse the ladies and gentlemen.
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Fountain joke "Umbrella" or "Mushroom"

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Imperial Parks of Peterhof
The prank fountain "Umbrella" is one of several prank fountains in the palace and park ensemble of Peterhof, located in the Lower Park near the Montplaisir Alley. It was created in 1796 by architect Brouwer and fountain master Keyser. It is believed that the court's fascination with China influenced its creation, which was also reflected in the construction of "Chinese" buildings in Tsarskoye Selo.
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Fountains "Bells"

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Imperial Parks of Peterhof
In the center of each of the four parterres into which the Monplaisir Garden is divided, Peter planned to install the "Bells" fountains, adorned with gilded sculptures. These water jets were created between 1721 and 1723 according to Miketti's drawings, simultaneously with the central "Sheaf" fountain. The weathered lead statues were replaced with bronze ones in 1817. Wax models for them were made by I. Martos based on molds kept in the Museum of the Academy of Arts.
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Miniature fountains "Tritons" or "Bells"

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Imperial Parks of Peterhof
The miniature "Tritons" fountains appeared on the shore of the Marlinsky Pond at the end of the 1720s. The sculptures of four identical boy-tritons holding flat bowls were cast in England in 1721 based on a drawing by the architect I. Braunstein. Originally, the "Tritons" were intended to decorate the Grand Cascade, but they were cleverly adapted for the construction of fountains, whose compositional design is simple and elegant. Four water jets spouted from the bowls above the heads of the "Tritons."
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The "Hermitage" Pavilion — the first post-war museum of Peterhof

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Imperial Parks of Peterhof
In the 18th century, among wealthy Europeans, a fashion spread for building special pavilions called "Hermitage" or "place of seclusion." These were two-story buildings; on the lower floor were cooks and servants who prepared and served food, which was delivered by lifts to the upper floor, where the close circle of the estate owner's guests gathered. In Russia, the first Hermitage was created in Peterhof by order of Peter I. It was built on the shore of the Gulf of Finland in the western part of the Lower Park. The very idea of its construction arose in Peter during his travels through European countries, where he first saw similar structures. The Peterhof seaside pavilion served as the prototype for all Russian "hermitages" built thereafter.
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Garden of Bacchus

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Imperial Parks of Peterhof
The Garden of Bacchus in Peterhof was designed by Nicolo Michetti in the 1720s as part of the ensemble of the Marly Palace in the western part of the Lower Park. Three paths connect it to the Garden of Venus, located between the Gulf of Finland and the Marlin Pond.
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Venus Garden

VVQX+J8 Petrodvortsovy District, Saint Petersburg, Russia

Imperial Parks of Peterhof
In the northern part of the Marly Palace ensemble by the Marly Pond is the Garden of Venus, which is separated from the Gulf of Finland by a special retaining stone wall more than 3 meters high and about 250 meters long. Along the wall runs an alley from which one can admire the sea landscapes and view the three gardens of the Lower Park. The garden got its name thanks to the statue of Venus Medicis located here, modeled after the famous ancient Greek sculpture. The garden layout was designed by architect Nicolo Michetti.
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Museum "Imperial Yachts"

VWQ7+X3 Petrodvortsovy District, Saint Petersburg, Russia

Imperial Parks of Peterhof
Peterhof is the only seaside residence of the Russian emperors, so it was quite natural that in 2004 the museum "Imperial Yachts" was opened on the shore of the Gulf of Finland. The exhibition showcases little-known aspects of the imperial family's life. Here you can see Peter I’s naval greatcoat and skipper’s jacket, Empress Catherine II’s uniform dress in the style of the navy, photographs and models of imperial and grand-ducal yachts, which were true "floating" palaces, yacht service sets, paintings and graphics, as well as various decorative and applied art items dedicated to the glorious history of the Baltic and Neva fleets.
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Lion Cascade (Hermitage)

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Imperial Parks of Peterhof
Great Architects: Andrey Ivanovich Stakenschneider
Great Architects: Andrey Nikiforovich Voronikhin
The idea behind the design of the Lower Park was based on the principle: each palace should correspond to a cascade of fountains. In 1721, the construction of the "Hermitage" pavilion began, and an alley leading to it was laid out. The cascade project, referred to as the "Moses Cascade" in Peter's sketches, was prepared by the architect Nicolo Michetti, but the original plan was not realized. Initially, statues of Hercules and Flora were used as sculptural decoration, but a year later they were replaced by bronze figures of lions, made based on Prokofiev's models. The cascade, named the Hermitage Cascade by its location, received its second, more famous name "Lion's" – after its decoration.
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The Grand Cascade is the most magnificent fountain structure of the Peterhof ensemble.

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Imperial Parks of Peterhof
The Grand Cascade is the most magnificent fountain structure of the Peterhof ensemble and one of the outstanding structures in the world. The idea to complete the maritime ceremonial entrance to the royal residence with the Upper Palace and a cascade with grottos at its foot belonged to Peter I. The Grand Cascade consists of three waterfall staircases and two grottos, 75 fountains, and 255 bronze sculptures, mascarons, and bas-reliefs, as well as other decorative details. The construction of the Grand Cascade began in May 1716, involving architects Jean-Baptiste Le Blond and Nicola Michetti, Mikhail Zemtsov, and hydraulic engineering masters Pieter Soulema and Vasily Tuvolkov.
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Benois Family Museum

Dvortsovaya Square, 8, Saint Petersburg, Russia, 198510

Imperial Parks of Peterhof
There are many world-famous artists, but artistic dynasties are few. Among them, the Benois family rightfully holds a special place. This lineage has French origins. As often happened with many foreign families in Russia, the Benois family, combining French and German blood, became Russified and became the progenitor of numerous Russian figures in the arts.
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Grand Palace (Peterhof)

Razvodnaya St., Building 2, Saint Petersburg, Russia, 198516

Imperial Parks of Peterhof
Great Architects: Bartolomeo Francesco Rastrelli
The main building of the palace and park ensemble "Peterhof," located in the eponymous town on the southern shore of the Gulf of Finland in the Petrodvorets district of the federal city of Saint Petersburg. It was almost completely destroyed during World War II and restored in 1952.
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Upper and Lower Grottos

Bolshoy Cascade, Pravlenskaya St., Saint Petersburg, Russia, 198510

Imperial Parks of Peterhof
The Upper and Lower Grottos, serving as the architectural center of the Grand Cascade of Peterhof, were built according to the design of Peter I. They are faced with tuff, decorated with fountains, marble, and gilded sculptures. The facade of the Grand Grotto is pierced by five tall arches adorned with gilded mascarons. Above this grotto is a terrace leading to the Small Grotto. The boundary between the grottos is marked by a marble balustrade with figures of two gilded bronze Tritons. Architects Jean-Baptiste Le Blond, Ivan Braunstein, and Nicola Michetti participated in the creation of the grottos, with construction taking place from 1716 to 1720. Entrance is through the arched doors of the Upper Grotto. According to Peter the Great’s plan, the walls of the underground structure are faced with tuff and shells, decorated with mascarons and ornaments.
photo
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Paired Fountains "Bowls" (Italian)

Italian, Aleksandriyskoye Highway, Saint Petersburg, Russia, 198516

Imperial Parks of Peterhof
At the foot of the Grand Palace, in the center of the parterre flower beds, are the paired "Bowls" fountains, whose construction, according to the project of architect Nicolo Michetti, was completed at the end of 1722. The trial launch took place in the presence of Peter I. The oldest fountains of Peterhof, known for the power of their jets, received a second name – the "Great Fountains." Since the hydraulic work on the eastern fountain was carried out by the Frenchman Paul Soualem, and the western one by the Italians Giovanni and Giuliano Barratini, the western fountain is called the "Italian" fountain.
photo
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Paired Fountains "Bowls" (French)

French Fountain, Alexandriyskoye Highway, Saint Petersburg, Russia, 198510

Imperial Parks of Peterhof
At the foot of the Grand Palace, in the center of the parterre flower beds, are the paired "Bowls" fountains, whose construction according to the project of architect Nicolo Michetti was completed at the end of 1722. The trial launch took place in the presence of Peter I. The oldest fountains of Peterhof, known for the power of their jets, received the second name – the "Great Fountains." Since the hydraulic work on the eastern fountain was carried out by the Frenchman Paul Soualem, and the western one by the Italians Giovanni and Giuliano Barratini, the eastern fountain is called the "French" fountain.
photo
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