OK, back to the Hermitage. I won’t be able to identify everything, but I’ll do my best.
This shows you why it would take nine years to see everything in the Hermitage. There are fine paintings, along with beautifully crafted details on the ceilings as well as the walls. The floors are exquisite too….
A lapis lazuli table with gold details, and a huge malachite urn.
A real highlight for me was the Da Vinci Room:
Da Vinci’s “Madonna and Child” and “Benois Madonna.”
Can you believe the intricacy?
A closer look at the detail on the fireplace above.
Love those cameos on the wall.
I zoomed in on the plaque with Photoshop, but still couldn’t read the name of the painter.
Even more beautiful ceilings:
Finally, St. George’s Hall, or the Great Throne Room:
According to Wiki, this hall was the setting for the opening of the First State Duma by Nicholas II, in 1906. The Tsar was forced to agree to the establishment of a Duma as a concession to his people in an attempt to avert revolution. However, the Imperial family saw it as “the end of Russian autocracy.”
If you visit St. Petersburg, this is an absolute must-see. Allow more than a few hours, though.
Great weekend, everyone!
{carole}
Pearls & Prose 
Wow! And that seems like an understatement.
You did such a great job taking photos. There’s so much to see and so many details, I imagine it’s easy to get overwhelmed.
The throne room is stunning.
Thanks so much, Jackie. Photographing this place was really challenging since we were moving very quickly and trying to listen to the guide at the same time. It was good practice for the two weddings I shot recently. 🙂
Great photos. Love the Da Vinci room.
The painter you’re looking for is Rembrandt. The painting looked familiar, so I googled “Descent from the Cross” and “Hermitage” together. 🙂
The light did remind me of Rembrandt, Caroline, but I didn’t want to hazard a guess. Thanks for filling in the blank!
Oh, the wealth displayed – breathtaking . . . love the blue of the lapis and how many ways it is utilized ! Ben was awed by the columns of malachite and the amount of gold embellishments everywhere.
It was truly unbelievable, Susan.
Beautiful pictures Carole – so glad we went to SP
Thanks, MB. I will never forget this city.