Lenina St., 33, Saint Petersburg, Russia, 194362
On the keystone above the entrance to the front door, a bear is depicted. It is often mistaken for a wolf, but the prevailing theory is that it is indeed a bear. However, judging by the appearance of the animal, this bear is more likely a polar bear than a brown bear, which is also acknowledged by experts. Like lions, clumsy-footed predators often appear in heraldry, symbolizing power, courage, and grandeur.
The muzzle and paw of the animal are softly
modeled, creating an illusion of volume. As for the wolf, it is
also a common northern motif, although not as positive. The monstrous
wolf Fenrir is a popular character in Scandinavian mythology. The space between
the stone arch of the portal and the entrance door is decorated with simple carving.
Now let's see what other surprises await on the facade. The animalistic motifs are not limited to just one bear. Above the wide windows at the edges of the first floor are stylized big-eyed owls, carved in terracotta. As is known, images of owls and eagle-owls are one of the hallmarks of the "Northern Modern" architecture of St. Petersburg, take for example the income house of Putilova ("House with Owls"), also on the Petrograd side.
