Fair Booths on Admiralty Square, St. Petersburg 1869

Konstantin Makovsky’s “Fair Booths on Admiralty Square, St. Petersburg” (1869) depicts a lively scene of the annual fair held on Admiralty Square in St. Petersburg. The painting captures the energy of the bustling marketplace, with a crowd of people of all ages and social classes gathered around the various booths. The artist’s use of light and color creates a sense of movement and excitement, as well as the cold weather that was typical of the city. The scene is also infused with details that bring the moment to life, from the vendors selling their wares to the children playing in the snow. This artwork is a great example of the Russian realist style, showcasing the daily lives of ordinary people in their historical context.