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1996-07-29
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The Summer Gardens are almost of the same
age as the city itself. It might date back to the
early 1704, when on the order of Peter I they
started to bring saplings of various trees, flower
seeds marble statues, columns, etc., to
Petersburg from all parts of Russia and Europe.
Peter I took special care acquiring the scuiptures
that were not only to decorate the garden but to
glorify the transformations he was introducing
into the state system. According to the tsar's
directions statues were bought or ordered in
Europe, especially in Venice, famous for its
sculptors. At present among the 250 sculptures
decorating the garden there are about 90 statues
and busts that make up a genuinely unique
collection of Italian Baroque sculpture,
performed by P.Baratta, D.Bonazza, F.Cabianca
and others. Among them there are allegorical
images of the professions most respected by
Peter 1, such as Architecture and Navigation.
Some of the statues, including Justice,
Abundance, Charity and Truth personify essential
components of wise government. Glory, Minerva
and Belonna glorify military valor. The Peace and
Abundance sculptural group is an allegory of the